WORLD MILK DAY: Nigeria Rallies Stakeholders Towards Dairy Self-Sufficiency, Global Competitiveness
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Idi Mukhtar Maiha |
"The Nigerian government is not only determined to close the dairy supply gap, but also to position the country as a regional dairy hub." Maiha.
.... Says “Our goal is to make Nigeria self-sufficient in milk production and a major player in the global dairy economy."
Nigeria joined global communities to mark the World Milk Day 2025, themed; “Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy,” where it reaffirmed its commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in milk production and securing a leading position in the global dairy economy.
This vision was echoed at a high-level conference hosted by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in Abuja on Monday June 2, 2025, bringing together key actors from government, industry, and development circles to assess progress and chart a more resilient future for Nigeria’s dairy sector.
Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the Nigerian government is not only determined to close the dairy supply gap, but also to position the country as a regional dairy hub.
“Our goal is to make Nigeria self-sufficient in milk production and a major player in the global dairy economy,” the Minister declared. “The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is working through the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NLGAS) to unlock value across the dairy chain, from improved genetics and pasture development to milk aggregation, processing, and market linkages.”
He highlighted the critical role of partnerships, pointing to successful models like FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s local sourcing initiative and Promasidor’s investments in dairy backward integration as signals of what is possible when the public and private sectors collaborate.
Maiha further emphasised that Nigeria’s strength lies in the diversity of its ideas and stakeholders working together to build a healthier, wealthier, and more resilient sector.
“We are calling on Nigeria’s young people, agripreneurs, tech innovators, nutritionists, processors, content creators, and investors to explore the possibilities in the milk ecosystem. Milk is no longer just a drink, it is a pathway to economic transformation, job creation, and improved nutrition,” he noted.
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Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi |
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, in her welcome remarks, stressed that milk continues to stand out as one of the most accessible and nutrient-dense food sources across cultures and continents, especially at a time when global food systems are being reshaped by climate change, shifting demographics, and geopolitical dynamics.
"Global dairy demand is projected to grow by over 30 percent by 2035. Nigeria must position itself not only to feed its people but to participate competitively in this expanding global market. We have the land, we have the animals, and most importantly, we have the people,” the Permanent Secretary stated.
Dr. Akujobi enjoined stakeholders to share ideas during the conference, that will become blueprints for policy, partnerships, and the rapid transformation of Nigeria’s dairy sector.
In his presentation, the Managing Director of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Roger Adou, emphasised the need for practical, long-term solutions in breeding, feed management, and dairy education. “We believe in building a future where Nigerian dairy farmers are equipped with the right tools, knowledge, and support systems to thrive,” he stated.
Highlighting FrieslandCampina’s sustained investments in dairy development, Adou noted that World Milk Day presents “a platform to reflect on the progress we've made, and more importantly, to align our next steps towards a more resilient and competitive dairy sector.”
Other stakeholders echoed Adou’s sentiments in goodwill messages and technical sessions that followed. Representatives from development agencies, producer groups, and research institutions reaffirmed their support for ongoing reforms in the livestock sector, including the N-LGAS, and efforts to enhance local milk production capacity.
A high point of the event was the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) between the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and Nestlé Nigeria for the establishment of Dairy Training Centres across the country.
The LOI, signed by the Honourable Minister and the Managing Director of Nestlé Nigeria, Wassim Elhusseini, builds on the momentum from the unveiling of the Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm in Paikon Kore, Gwagwalada Abuja, earlier this year.
It further demonstrates shared commitment to advancing dairy education, improving local capacity, and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the dairy value chain.
This is contained in a statement issued and signed by Ben Bem Goong, Director, Press and Public Relations of the Livestock Development Ministry and made available to Naij News Alert in Abuja.
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