The Federal Government has initiated a major drive to boost the production of dairy and other animal-sourced foods across Nigeria and West Africa. This move is a direct response to the rapidly growing demand for these essential nutritional products in the region.
Addressing Decades of Underperformance
Speaking at the 2025 Friesland Campina WAMCO CNDDD Annual Dairy Development Webinar in Abuja, assurances were given by the Co-Chair of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee (PLRIC), Prof. Attahiru Jega. He declared that the government is set to reverse the sector's long-standing challenges with the right policies, investments, and partnerships.
Prof. Jega, who was represented by Prof. Demo Kalla from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, acknowledged the hurdles. These include weak feed systems, low breed productivity, farmer-herder conflicts, climate pressures, and limited technology adoption. However, he insisted these problems are surmountable.
A Four-Pillar Strategy for Success
The government's vision is anchored on four strategic pillars designed to achieve dairy self-sufficiency:
- Productivity: Enhancing pastures, genetics, and veterinary services.
- Sustainability: Implementing climate-smart practices and renewable energy.
- Innovation: Leveraging digital tools for traceability and market integration.
- Partnerships: Fostering collaboration between government, industry, and academia.
Prof. Jega emphasized the urgency for decisive action, citing United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) data that projects dairy consumption in West Africa could surge by more than 500% by 2050.
Landmark Initiatives and Private Sector Involvement
Key to this transformation are two landmark initiatives by President Bola Tinubu's administration: the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the creation of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee (PLRIC).
The government's efforts are already attracting significant private-sector investment. Companies like FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Arla Foods, Danone, L&Z, and Sebore Farms are expanding their operations in milk collection and farmer training. Development partners such as DDP, ALDDN, GIZ, and the EU-VACE TARED programme are also providing crucial support.
At the core of this push is the recently validated National Dairy Policy Implementation Framework. Prof. Kalla explained that this policy provides a clear roadmap to transform the sector from low-productivity operations into modern, commercially viable enterprises.
The ultimate goal, as concluded by Prof. Jega, is to build a dairy industry that delivers affordable nutrition, transforms smallholder farmers into prosperous producers, and positions Nigeria as a leading dairy producer in Africa.
