The Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN) has raised concerns over the increasing circulation of low-cost milk substitutes and creamers marketed as dairy products, warning that the trend is misleading consumers and depriving them of the full nutritional benefits associated with genuine milk.
Speaking at the 2026 World Milk Day Conference in Abuja, the National President of CODARAN, Muhammadu Damakka Abubakar, urged Nigerians to pay closer attention to product labels and make informed choices when purchasing dairy products.
He explained that although creamers and milk substitutes may serve certain culinary purposes, they do not possess the same nutritional value as fresh milk and dairy products derived from fresh milk.
Abubakar encouraged consumers to prioritise fresh milk and dairy products whenever possible to maximise the health and nutritional benefits they provide.
The warning comes amid renewed efforts by stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s dairy industry and reduce dependence on imported milk products.
Also speaking at the conference, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the Federal Government has launched one of the country’s most coordinated livestock and dairy transformation programmes aimed at boosting local production and achieving greater self-sufficiency.
Maiha disclosed that Nigeria’s annual milk demand is estimated at about 1.7 million metric tonnes, while local production currently ranges between 600,000 and 700,000 metric tonnes, leaving a substantial deficit that contributes to dairy imports valued at more than $1.5 billion annually.
According to the minister, a major breakthrough was recorded in November 2025 when key stakeholders across the dairy value chain convened in Abuja to develop practical strategies for expanding milk production, improving processing capacity, strengthening cold-chain infrastructure, promoting pasture development, enhancing animal health services and increasing private-sector investment.
He noted that the engagement culminated in the validation of the National Dairy Policy Implementation Framework, which was formally unveiled during the World Milk Day Conference.
Maiha said the framework would serve as a roadmap for accelerating growth in the dairy sector, improving nutrition outcomes, creating jobs and reducing the country’s dependence on imported dairy products.
World Milk Day, observed annually on June 1, celebrates the importance of milk and the dairy industry in advancing nutrition, livelihoods, employment and economic development worldwide.
