Fed Govt to strengthen dairy sector, reduce milk importation

The Federal Government has reiterated its readiness to work more closely with industry stakeholders to strengthen dairy production and reduce Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported milk and dairy products.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja while receiving members of the Dairy Sub-Sector Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) during a courtesy visit to his office.

Maiha stressed that strong partnerships with industry players remain vital to revitalising the dairy sector and harnessing the country’s enormous livestock potential.

He highlighted key areas of cooperation to include improving cattle breeds, expanding milk aggregation and collection centres, building the capacity of farmers, and strengthening feed and fodder development.

According to the minister, enhancing livestock genetics and improving milk collection infrastructure are crucial steps toward boosting domestic milk output and developing a competitive dairy value chain.

He also pointed to the huge economic potential within the sector, noting that Nigeria spends roughly $1.5 billion every year importing dairy products, in addition to another $1.5 billion spent on vaccines, despite being Africa’s largest market for such products.

Maiha said the government is actively seeking investors through strategic public-private partnerships to unlock the sector’s potential.

“We are looking for partners. We have 417 grazing reserves that we are going to rehabilitate, and each of them is available for investors who are willing to work with us. This is one of the ways to revive the dairy sector and increase local production,” the minister said.

He further called on the association to collaborate with the ministry in designing a strategic framework aimed at supporting local dairy farmers, raising productivity and gradually reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported dairy products.

Speaking earlier, Chairperson of the MAN Dairy Sub-Sector Group and Executive Director, Corporate Affairs at FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Ore Famurewa, said the visit was intended to reaffirm the group’s commitment to Nigeria’s organised dairy industry and strengthen cooperation with the ministry in implementing the National Dairy Policy.

She explained that although the country has a strong demand for dairy products, local milk production still falls far below national consumption, creating a wide supply deficit.

Famurewa noted that companies within the MAN Dairy Sub-Sector Group have continued to invest in initiatives aimed at growing the sector.

These include local milk sourcing programmes, the establishment of milk production centres and dairy clusters, training and integration of pastoralists and smallholder dairy farmers, as well as investments in processing facilities and cold chain infrastructure.

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She also proposed stronger collaboration between the group and the ministry in areas such as expanding local milk production through structured dairy clusters and milk collection systems, improving cattle breeds and productivity, developing feed and pasture resources, building farmer capacity and strengthening public-private partnerships to fast-track the implementation of the National Dairy Policy.

Famurewa added that the group remains committed to working with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to build a sustainable, competitive and inclusive dairy industry capable of supporting food security, nutrition and rural livelihoods in Nigeria.

Members of the MAN Dairy Sub-Sector Group include Nestlé Nigeria Plc, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Dano Milk, Arla Foods, and the Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria, among others.