The Federal Government has outlined plans to double Nigeria’s annual milk production from 700,000 metric tonnes to 1.4 million metric tonnes within the next five years as part of reforms aimed at revitalising the livestock sector and reducing dependence on dairy imports.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this during a press conference in Abuja to mark this year’s World Milk Day, stressing that the initiative will help cut the country’s over $1.5 billion annual dairy import bill.
He emphasised that the move would strengthen national food and nutrition security
The Minister announced the forthcoming inauguration of the country’s first ever National Council on Livestock Development, which is expected to take place before the end of 2025.
According to him, the council will serve as the highest decision-making body in the livestock space, enabling the harmonisation of policies and driving the implementation of a unified development agenda across the country.
He stated that the council would bring together a diverse group of actors, including representatives of state governments, development agencies, private investors, researchers, and pastoralist communities.
Their collective input, he noted, will be central to shaping a coordinated national strategy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.
As part of activities commemorating World Milk Day, the Minister, alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. (Mrs) Chinyere Akujobi, led a colourful road show from Eagle Square. Staff of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, civil society groups, stakeholders in the livestock value chain and dairy enthusiasts actively participated in the procession.
Addressing journalists during an interactive session, Maiha outlined the ministry’s roadmap, driven by the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS).
He explained that the strategy focuses on key areas such as feed and pasture development, transformation of the livestock value chain, breed enhancement, veterinary health, youth and women engagement, as well as improved access to funding.
He pointed to major strides already recorded under his ministry’s leadership.
Among these is the registration of eight pasture species, a development he said is the first of its kind in 48 years.
Other achievements include the formulation of a National Strategy and Action Plan on Animal Genetic Resources, and a scale-up plan to boost vaccine production at the National Veterinary Research Institute in Vom, Plateau State, from 120 million to 850 million doses annually.
Maiha also cited the inauguration of a solar-powered cold chain facility in Sheda, Abuja, and the Wase Livestock Village, which now serves as a blueprint for reviving Nigeria’s 417 underutilised grazing reserves.
The Minister further highlighted key dairy development models such as the Arla Dairy Farm in Kaduna and the Nestlé-supported Paikon Kore Dairy Training Facility in Abuja. In the same vein, he praised the Ekiti State Government in collaboration with Promasidor for transforming the Ikun Dairy Farm into a thriving enterprise currently producing 10,000 litres of milk daily.
According to him, nearly half of Nigeria’s 36 states have either created or are in the process of establishing dedicated ministries or agencies for livestock development, an indication of growing subnational commitment to the sector.
Maiha acknowledged the role of the private sector and development partners, listing Friesland Campina Wamco, Arla Foods, Zaidi Farms Ltd, Milkin Barn Ltd, Nestlé Nigeria, Integrated Dairies and Promasidor among notable contributors. International and local organisations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Sahel Consulting, and the Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN) have also been instrumental in introducing innovative dairy practices and supporting smallholder farmers.
In concluding his remarks, the Minister extended appreciation to the media for their continued engagement, describing them as essential partners in informing the public and creating awareness about the ministry’s reform efforts.
