Friesland, Nestle, Promasidor, 3 others get CBN licence to import milk

By Samson Echenim

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday announced that only six manufacturing firms could import milk and dairy products into Nigeria having keyed into the bank’s backward integration programme to enhance their capacity and improve local milk production.

The six companies are FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria, Chi Limited, TG Arla Dairy Products Limited, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Nestle Nigeria Plc, and Integrated Dairies Limited, which were issued permit for the importation of milk, its derivatives and dairy products into the country.

The Nigerian government had in July 2019, banned importation of milk into the country.

According to  a circular number, TED/FEM/FPC/GEN/01/002 dated February 11, 2020 signed by O.S. Nnaji, director, Trade and Exchange Department, and issued to to all authorised dealers and the general public, the banking sector regulator said it had engaged with some companies in the industry.

 These companies it stated, have keyed into the bank’s backward integration programme to enhance their capacity and improve local milk production.

“For the avoidance of doubt, all established Forms ‘M’, for the importation of milk and its derivatives for companies other than the above for which shipment has not taken place should be cancelled immediately,” the circular read in part.

Accordingly, it wants all authorised dealers to note that all Forms ‘M’, for the importation of milk and its derivatives shall only be allowed for the six named companies.