President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled a bold roadmap to reposition Nigeria’s dairy and livestock industries, declaring that the era of heavy dependence on imported milk must give way to self-sufficiency driven by innovation, partnership, and local investment.
Speaking at the 2025 Arla-Dano Open Day held at Arla Farms, Damau, Kaduna State, the President described the event as a landmark in Nigeria’s quest for sustainable agriculture, food security, and economic diversification.
Tinubu lamented that Nigeria currently produces only 0.7 million litres of milk annually, far below the national demand and the World Health Organisation’s recommended 210 litres per person yearly.
He noted that despite having millions of cattle, the nation still spends over $1.5 billion annually importing milk and dairy products.
“This is a paradox we must correct,” the President said, while commending Arla Foods and its partners for investing in modern dairy farming aligned with his administration’s backward integration policy and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Highlighting recent reforms, Tinubu pointed to the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development as a strategic move to unlock the livestock value chain, reduce herder-farmer conflicts, and stimulate rural prosperity.
He praised Kaduna State and Arla Foods for transforming Damau into Nigeria’s emerging “dairy hub,” citing interventions such as the Damau Household Milk Farm and Danish Government–funded, climate-resilient projects that empower local producers.
“These projects are building the capacity of 1,000 households, providing improved breeds, pastures, veterinary services, and social amenities,” he said, noting that Arla’s role as the off-taker ensures that farmers benefit directly from the value chain.
Tinubu also revealed that Nigeria had secured $2.5 billion in investment commitments for the establishment of six modern meat-processing factories, three for poultry, two for beef, and one for pork — within the next five years. The facilities, he said, will enhance processing capacity, create jobs, and transfer technology to local producers through strategic partnerships with Brazil and JBS, the world’s largest meat processor.
The President further mentioned ongoing international collaborations, including the EU-funded €18.3 million VACE TARED project, which supports climate-smart agriculture and strengthens value chains in livestock, cocoa, ginger, tomato, and cassava.
Reaffirming his administration’s unwavering focus on food security, Tinubu said the government would continue to provide an enabling environment for agribusiness to thrive under the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS).
“With our vast land, youthful population, and collective determination, Nigeria will become self-sufficient in dairy and livestock production,” he assured. “We will not relent until every Nigerian has access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food produced within our borders.”
Furthermore, the President urged investors, farmers, and young Nigerians to see the dairy sector as a pathway to prosperity, innovation, and national growth.
