Ahmadu Bello University’s NAPRI Signs MoU with Arla Dairy Products Ltd for Dairy Research and Training

The National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), a component of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Arla Global Dairy Products Ltd to collaborate on research, training, and various activities related to the Nigerian dairy sector.

NAPRI has a national mandate to enhance livestock and poultry productivity through research in breeding, nutrition, management, and socio-economic interventions. Arla Global Dairy Products, part of the Arla Foods Group, focuses on processing and packaging milk products in Nigeria and aims to support local dairy farming through its expertise in processing and marketing dairy products.

The MoU was signed by Prof. Kabiru Bala, Vice-Chancellor of ABU, alongside Prof. Muhammad Rabiu Hassan, Executive Director of NAPRI. Mr. Snorri Sigurdsson, Senior Manager at Arla, represented the company, with Managing Director Mr. Peder Pedersen witnessing the agreement.

The partnership will involve joint field research on both introduced and native pasture species, training on pasture and dairy value chains, laboratory analysis of animal feeds and products, and advancements in breeding using artificial insemination and embryo transfer technologies. 

As part of the agreement, NAPRI will conduct pasture field research on Arla's farm in Damau, retaining ownership of the research results, while Arla will provide a designated area for NAPRI trials and facilitate learning opportunities for students and researchers in dairy farming practices and animal health.