The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has commemorated World Milk Day on June 1, 2025, with a focus on enhancing food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable livestock practices.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, at a press conference to commemorate the 2025 World Milk Day in Abuja, highlighted the significance of milk as a vital source of nutrition, particularly for children, and emphasized the need to increase local milk production.
Nigeria currently produces only 600,000 metric tonnes of milk annually, covering just 35% of national demand, with the remaining 65% imported at a cost of over $1.5 billion.
The Minister noted that the country’s low milk consumption rate of 8.7 liters per person per year is far below the African average of 40 liters and the WHO-recommended 210 liters.
To address this challenge, the Ministry has launched several initiatives, including the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, which focuses on livestock value chain development, feed and fodder development, animal health, and youth empowerment. The Ministry has also registered eight pasture species, developed a National Strategy and Action Plan on Animal Genetic Resources, and upscaled vaccine production at the National Veterinary Research Institute.
Maiha also highlighted successful partnerships, such as the Ikun Dairy Farm in Ekiti State, which has transformed a dormant facility into a national model, and the Arla farm in Kaduna State, which has demonstrated the potential for high-yield dairy production in Nigeria. These examples show that with focus and commitment, Nigeria can fast-track local milk production and reduce dependence on imports.
The Ministry aims to double national milk production from 600,000 metric tonnes to 1.2 million metric tonnes annually within the next five years and plans to convene the inaugural National Council on Livestock Development to shape a unified national agenda for sustainable livestock development.
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