The CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, in Abuja on Thursday, said in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) policy to discourage the importation of milk, that four dairy products manufacturers have commenced the process for the local production of milk.
He gave their names as FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Neon Agro, Chi Limited and Irish Dairy. He said they have already expressed interest to invest in Bobi Grazing Reserve in Niger State.
Bobi Grazing Reserve located in Mariga Local Government Area is part of 26 Grazing Reserves gazette under a livestock development initiative by the Niger State government in partnership with the CBN.
The reserve has a land area of 31,000 hectares, with about 700 families and 300,000 heads of cattle resident there for the pilot project.
So far, the CBN governor said FrieslandCampina WAMCO and Neon Agro have agreed to acquire 10,000 hectares of land each, while Chi Limited and Irish Dairy are to develop 4,000 hectares each for their local milk production project.
The remaining 3,000 hectares will be retained by the state government for its development programmes.
Already, as at last Tuesday, September 18, Mr Emefiele said FrieslandCampina WAMCO had cleared a total land area of 695 hectares, with 190 hectares already cultivated with pastures for the livestock.
Also, the company has completed a hydroponic centre and solar powered borehole, while equipment for its Milk Collection Centre is awaiting installation.
Similarly, he said Chi Limited has also signed contracts for the clearing and planting of pasture on its allocated 4,000 hectares of land.
He said Niger State government has cleared and fenced 63 hectares of land in two sites.