The Federal government has unveiled ambitious plans to reduce Nigeria’s $1.5 billion annual dairy import bill by boosting local milk production as the country celebrates World Milk Day 2025.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, revealed during a press briefing in Abuja that the government aims to double milk output from 600,000 to 1.2 million metric tonnes within five years.
This milestone coincides with the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signaling a renewed focus on revitalizing the livestock sector.
Currently, Nigeria produces only about 35% of its 1.7 million metric tonnes annual milk demand, importing the rest mostly as powdered milk. Maiha highlighted that per capita milk consumption in Nigeria is just 8.7 litres yearly—far below the WHO’s recommended 210 litres and the African average of 40 litres.
To bridge this gap, the ministry is implementing the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, focusing on key areas such as livestock value chains, breed improvement, animal health, pasture development, access to finance, and empowering youth and women.
Significant progress includes registering eight new pasture species—the first in 48 years—and developing a national plan for animal genetics with the FAO. Maiha emphasized the need to improve indigenous cattle breeds, which produce 1–2 litres of milk daily, compared to over 20 litres from exotic breeds under optimal care.
The ministry is also expanding vaccine production at the National Veterinary Research Institute from 120 million to 850 million doses annually. A new solar-powered vaccine storage facility in Abuja, with a capacity of 40 million doses, has been commissioned to support this effort.
Collaboration with private-sector leaders such as Nestlé and Arla is helping to scale up dairy production. Notable examples include Nestlé’s Dairy Training Centre in Abuja and Arla’s advanced dairy farm in Kaduna, which houses over 200 imported Holstein cows demonstrating the viability of high-yield breeds in Nigeria’s climate.
Maiha also praised the revitalization of the Ikun Dairy Farm in Ekiti State by the government and Promasidor, now producing 10,000 litres daily from 500 exotic cows on 400 hectares.
Looking ahead, the ministry plans to convene the first National Council on Livestock Development this year to coordinate livestock policies at federal and state levels.
The minister acknowledged the vital role of the media in promoting livestock development, urging journalists to continue telling Nigeria’s dairy transformation story boldly and accurately.