WORLD MILK DAY 2026: Nigeria Targets Dairy Revolution, Unveils Plans to Empower 37,000 Women, Youth

"The country is intensifying efforts to reduce its heavy dependence on imported dairy products through strategic investments and public-private partnerships." Idi Mukhtar Maiha Nigeria's Minister of Livestock Development Ministry.

.... Says "the major local and international investors are expanding their presence in Nigeria’s dairy sector, including a proposed 5,000-cow dairy farm project and a $496 million integrated dairy production and processing venture expected to create thousands of jobs."

The Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the country’s dairy industry, unveiling ambitious plans to boost local milk production, attract investments, and empower 37,000 women and youths across the livestock value chain.

Speaking at the 2026 World Milk Day Road Walk and Press Conference in Abuja on Saturday, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the country is intensifying efforts to reduce its heavy dependence on imported dairy products through strategic investments and public-private partnerships.

Maiha noted that Nigeria’s annual milk demand stands at about 1.7 million metric tonnes, while local production remains between 600,000 and 700,000 metric tonnes, creating a significant supply gap that costs the country over $1.5 billion annually in dairy imports.

According to Maiha, the major local and international investors are expanding their presence in Nigeria’s dairy sector, including a proposed 5,000-cow dairy farm project and a $496 million integrated dairy production and processing venture expected to create thousands of jobs.

The Minister said the government is also advancing a Women and Youth in Livestock Empowerment Initiative aimed at expanding economic opportunities through skills development, access to finance, technology transfer, cooperative strengthening and market integration.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, said this year’s World Milk Day theme, “Celebrating Women Farmers,” highlights the critical role women play in dairy production, food security and rural economic development.

She stressed that the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy places special emphasis on women and youth empowerment, describing them as key drivers of sustainable growth in the livestock sector.

Both officials called for stronger collaboration among government, private sector players and development partners to unlock the vast potential of Nigeria’s dairy industry and strengthen national food security.