LIVESTOCK MINISTER URGES STAKEHOLDERS TO IMPLEMENT LOCAL DAIRY ACTION PLAN
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, has urged stakeholders in Nigeria’s dairy industry to focus on implementing policies that will increase local milk production rather than relying on repeated meetings and workshops.
Maiha made the call in Abuja during a validation workshop on the National Action Plan for the Promotion of Local Milk Production, organised by the ministry in collaboration with ECOWAS.
He stressed the need for stakeholders to engage directly with farmers and address challenges affecting the dairy sector, including poor animal breeds, inadequate feed, veterinary services and limited milk processing facilities.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Chinyere Ijeoma-Akujobi, said Nigeria spends over $1.5 billion annually on dairy imports despite its livestock potential.
She explained that the action plan would strengthen local production, improve farmers’ capacity and encourage private sector investment.
Other stakeholders, including representatives of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and ECOWAS, called for stronger collaboration and practical measures to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported milk and dairy products.