ECOWAS to Commission NANTS Milk Factory on July 28, 2025, Invites Key Government Agencies - The National Association of Nigerian Traders NANTS

ABUJA — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to officially commission the NANTS Milk Factory on July 28, 2025, in a move aimed at boosting local dairy production and enhancing food security across the West African sub-region.

The factory, established under a partnership between ECOWAS and the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), is located in Abuja and will serve as a strategic hub for milk processing, packaging, and distribution. It is expected to empower pastoralist communities, create jobs, and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported dairy products.

Ahead of the commissioning ceremony, ECOWAS has sent out formal invitations to key government ministries, departments, and agencies, urging their participation in the landmark event. Among those invited are the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), among others.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, ECOWAS described the factory as “a major milestone in advancing regional trade, strengthening livestock value chains, and promoting inclusive economic development in Nigeria and beyond.”

“This project is part of our broader commitment to supporting agro-industrial transformation in West Africa. By working with local actors like NANTS, we are translating policy into practical impact at the community level,” the ECOWAS Commissioner for Agriculture, Environment, and Water Resources said.

The NANTS Milk Factory is expected to process thousands of litres of fresh milk daily, sourced directly from local cattle breeders and cooperatives. It will also serve as a training and innovation center to improve dairy farming practices in Nigeria.

Stakeholders from across the region, including representatives of farmers’ associations, the private sector, and international development partners, are expected to attend the commissioning ceremony.

The project aligns with ECOWAS’ Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP) and Nigeria’s National Livestock Transformation Plan, both of which seek to modernize agriculture and improve rural livelihoods through sustainable practices and value addition.