Nigeria Aims to Boost Local Dairy Production to Cut Import Dependency
The Nigerian Federal Government has renewed efforts to domesticate its $1.5 billion annual dairy import bill, according to Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the minister of Livestock Development. Speaking at the National Dairy Policy Implementation Framework Validation Workshop in Abuja, Maiha emphasized the need for Nigeria to transition from being a major dairy importer to a competitive producer and exporter.
Maiha highlighted that the current expenditure on dairy imports should be seen as an opportunity for future investment. This investment could potentially unlock economic growth, create jobs, and enhance rural prosperity. The minister called on industry players, development partners, and policymakers to collaborate in refining the draft dairy policy implementation framework to address key bottlenecks and promote private-sector-led growth.
Nigeria's dairy market holds vast untapped potential across production, processing, logistics, and retail. However, challenges such as low milk yield, poor breed quality, and weak market linkages continue to hinder growth. John Owan Enoh, minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, noted that effective collaboration and policy alignment could help Nigeria build a competitive dairy economy capable of attracting both local and foreign investments.
Enoh also mentioned that unlocking opportunities across the dairy value chain would reduce the country's import dependency, create employment, empower pastoral and rural communities, and enhance food security. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, represented by Victor Egbon, stressed the importance of a unified strategy and private sector participation in transforming challenges into profitable opportunities.
The event was attended by industry experts from Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition, CODARAN, GIZ, and other development partners. It focused on validating the National Dairy Policy Implementation Framework, a document expected to guide sustainable investment, value addition, and innovation across Nigeria’s dairy ecosystem.
