Government, Sahel Consulting collaborate on national dairy policy

The Federal Government and Sahel Consulting through the Advancing Local Dairy Development in Nigeria (ALDDN) programme have collaborated to develop a National Dairy Policy.

The Nigerian dairy sector is a key part of the country’s quest for food security and the partnership is mean to further boost local milk production.

Stakeholders drawn from the public and private sectors recently gathered to critically review and provide recommendations to the draft of a national dairy policy prepared by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

Ernest Umakhihe, permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture emphasised the vision, mission, and the objectives of the policy framework and the significance of the public and private sectors in fostering the growth of the Nigerian dairy sector.

Similarly, Muhammad Sabo Nanono, minister of Agriculture said that over 60 percent of the dairy products consumed in the country is from importation and this calls for the passing of the proposed dairy policy to unlock the potential of the dairy sector and induce interest in its development.

A cross section of ALDDN Commercial Fodder Producer silage measured for sale to an interested farmer
During the breakout sessions with various stakeholders, extensive discussions and recommendations were provided to improve the proposed dairy policy.