Nigeria Aims to End Dependence on Imported Dairy Products with Multimillion-Dollar Investment

Strategic Insights -

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated the government's commitment to ending Nigeria's reliance on imported dairy products, which costs the country over $1.5 billion annually. The country produces only 0.7 million litres of milk annually, with per capita consumption of 8.7 litres, far below the World Health Organization's 210 litres benchmark. The establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is a deliberate move to unlock the livestock value chain, reduce imports, and strengthen food security.

Key Takeaways:

  • The President noted that Nigeria must correct the paradox of being a livestock-rich nation that still relies heavily on imports to meet its dairy needs.
  • The country produces only 0.7 million litres of milk annually, with per capita consumption of 8.7 litres, far below the World Health Organization's 210 litres benchmark.
  • The establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development was a deliberate move to unlock the livestock value chain, reduce imports, and strengthen food security.
  • President Tinubu commended Arla Foods and Arla Dano Farm for their multimillion-dollar investment in dairy production, describing Kaduna as an emerging dairy hub and a model for modern livestock development.
  • The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, noted that agriculture contributes 51% of the state's GDP and employs about 70% of the population, with over 10% of the 2025 budget allocated to food security.
  • The state has established key institutions to enhance productivity and attract private investment, including the Livestock Regulatory Authority, Livestock Transformation Company, and Ranch Development Company.
  • The Damau Household Milk Farm Project is settling 1,000 pastoralist families into cooperative dairy farming on 8,000 hectares of land, with 600 hectares developed for irrigated pasture.
  • The DMau farm currently has over 400 dairy cows, with plans to double production next year.

Statistics:

  • Nigeria loses over $1.5 billion annually on imported dairy products.
  • The country produces only 0.7 million litres of milk annually.
  • Per capita consumption of milk in Nigeria is 8.7 litres, far below the World Health Organization's 210 litres benchmark.
  • Agriculture contributes 51% of Kaduna State's GDP.
  • 70% of Kaduna State's population is employed in agriculture.
  • Over 10% of Kaduna State's 2025 budget is allocated to food security.

Sources:

  • President Bola Tinubu, at the Arla Dano Open Day event on Wednesday, October 29.
  • Minister of Livestock Development, Dr Idi Mukhtar Maina, at the Arla Dano Open Day event.
  • Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Abdulkadir Mu'azu Meyere.
  • Project Manager of Arla Dano Farm, Mr Snorri Sigurdsson.
  • [1] News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), "Tinubu Reiterates Commitment to Ending Nigeria's Dependence on Imported Dairy Products".