By Ene Okwanihe, Abuja
The Nigerian government says it is on course to close the country’s milk deficit of about 1.2 million Metric tons with the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development to tackle challenges in the Dairy sector.
The Minister of Livestock Development Mr. Idi Maiha stated this at a media briefing and road show to commemorate the 2025 World Milk Day in Abuja Nigeria’s Capital, with the theme “Celebrate the power of Dairy”.
Mr. Maiha said Nigeria’s annual milk consumption is 1.7 million tons while production stands at 600,000 which cover about 35% of annual consumption.
According to him, Nigeria spends 1.5 billion on importation of milk annually; a trend he said is unacceptable.
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“Nigeria consumes approximately 1.7 million metric tons of milk annually, yet we produce only about 600,000 metric tons locally, covering just 35 percent of national demand. The remaining 65 percent, worth over $1.5 billion is imported, mainly in powdered form. This dependence weakens our economy, drains foreign reserves, and limits local industry growth”.
“This is not acceptable. This is why Mr. President saw it fit to create this ministry to drive this transformation. The low rate of milk consumption among Nigerians is worrisome”.
He stated that government is taking animal health serious as even the best breeds in the world cannot perform if unhealthy
“The best breeds cannot perform if they are unhealthy. This is why animal health and zoonoses control are core pillars of our dairy development agenda. We are upscaling vaccine production at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) from the current N120 million doses of livestock vaccines to N850 million in annual capacities”.
Mr. Maiha noted that with combined efforts of government and the private sector focusing on breed improvement and enhanced animal health practice, Nigeria will double its annual milk production in 5 years
“Let me reiterate that by focusing on breed improvement and enhanced animal health practices, our goal to unlock the full productivity potential of Nigeria’s estimated 20.9 million cattle, 60 million sheep, and 1.4 million goats can be achieved”.
“Therefore, we are confident in our ability to double our national milk production from 600,000 metric tons to 1.2 million metric tons annually within the next five years”.
The Minister disclosed that an inaugural National Council on Livestock Development is on the way by the end of the year to review policies and initiatives in the Livestock sector.
“Let me conclude by announcing that we are working towards convening the inaugural National Council on Livestock Development before the end of this year. This council will serve as the apex platform for deliberation, harmonisation, and review of policies and initiatives in the livestock sector”.
World Milk Day is celebrated annually on June 1, it unites countries, organizations, and communities to recognize and amplify the dairy sector’s impact on sustainable agriculture, economic development, and global health.