WORLD MILK DAY: LIVESTOCK MINISTRY STRATEGY ON MORE DAIRY PRODUCTION 03-05-25
By Sadiq Aminu The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar, says sixty five percent of milk consumed in Nigeria is still being imported from other countries.
The Minister disclosed this in Abuja at a news briefing to celebrate the 2025 World Milk Day, with the theme ” Lets Celebrate the Power of Dairy”.
Alhaji Idi Mukhtar, said Nigeria consumes approximately 1.7 million metric tonnes of milk annually but produces only six hundred thousand metric tonnes, which is thirty five percent, leaving it with a deficit of sixty five percent saying dependence on importation weakens the economy.
“We have made bold moves to address the core challenges facing the dairy value chain and this year’s theme of World Milk Day celebration”Lets the Power of Dairy ” resonates deeply with our national objectives to enhance food security, improve nutrition, empower rural livelihoods, reduce conflicts and promote sustainable livestock strategy which was recently approved by the National Economic Council”
He also expressed sadness that the World Health Organization recommends an annual intake of two hundred and ten litres of milk per person, but the average Nigerian annual milk intake stands at 8.7 litres, pointing out that the country’s indigenous cattle breed can only produce about two litres of milk per day while the exotic breeds can produce more than twenty litres of milk under proper management.
The Minister of livestock development, further said the ministry is upscaling vaccine production at the National Veterinary Research Institute from one hundred and twenty million naira worth of vaccines to eight hundred and fifty million naira in addition to expanding other veterinary services.
Alhaji Mukhtar, said in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the ministry is committed to driving policies that promotes productivity, gender inclusion, youth engagement and climate-smart livestock practices.
“In addition to the focus on thousands of small holder farmers and local commercial players ( such as Integrated Dairies, L&Z, Sebore farmers) we are collaborating and providing enabling environment for the large corporations (Friesland Campina, WAMCO, Nestle, Arla, Danone,CHI Limited and Prima Sido) to operate freely in Nigeria”.
There was a road walk across Abuja city centre to showcase the importance of milk consumption and its nutritional values to combat malnutrition especially among children.