Governor Sule Opens 4th National Dairy Summit, Pledges Partnership with Netherlands for Sustainable Agriculture

Nasarawa State Government has pledged to partner with development organizations to support farmers in adopting innovative pasture cultivation methods and training pastoralists in sustainable practices.

This commitment was made known by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Umar Tanko Tunga, during the fourth Netherlands Institution Alumni Association of Nigeria Aeres University Chapter held at the School of Postgraduate Studies auditorium, Nasarawa State University in Keffi, on Monday 14th April 2025.

This development underscores the state's efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and promote sustainable land use practices, potentially improving the livelihoods of local farmers and pastoralists. 

Nasarawa State has been actively engaging with international partners to boost its agricultural sector, including a recent partnership with the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and Nestle to support smallholder rice farmers with a $400,000 project. 

The state government’s commitment to agricultural development is part of its broader strategy for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Nasarawa State Commissioner for Agriculture, Umar Tanko Tunga, emphasized the importance of collaboration in building a sustainable future for pastoralists and communities at the fourth National Dairy Summit. 

The summit, themed "Sustainable Dairy Farming and Climate Change: ensuring food security and supply", was organized by the Netherlands Institution Alumni Association of Nigeria Aeres University chapter, where Tunga called on investors and development partners to explore opportunities in dairy processing and sustainable fodder solutions.

Dr. Winnie Lai Solarin, Director of Ruminant and Monogastics at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, and Prof . Akindele Folarin Alonge, the president of the association, highlighted the dairy industry's crucial role in global food security and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Livestock Ministry to address the dairy sector.

The Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Professor Sa'adatu Hassan Liman, expressed hope that the conference would inspire the University to internationalize its programs and research in livestock development.

The Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Jurgen Bartelink, mentioned the long-standing collaboration between the Netherlands and Nigeria and emphasized the need for mutual understanding to drive development and mitigate climate change.

Representatives from Royal Friesland Campina and the African Union, pledged to promote livestock development and sustainability initiatives.