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Local government

Nigeria Aims to Reduce Dependence on Imported Dairy Products with New Initiatives

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Nigeria is seeking to reduce its reliance on imported milk and dairy products, with President Bola Tinubu committing to address the country's dairy needs through the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development. The move aims to unlock the livestock value chain, reduce imports, and strengthen food security. Currently, Nigeria produces only 0.7 million litres of milk annually, with a per capita consumption of 8.7 litres, significantly below the World Health Organization's 210 litres benchmark.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nigeria's dairy industry is heavily reliant on imports, costing the country over $1.5 billion annually.
  • The establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is a deliberate move to address Nigeria's dairy needs and reduce imports.
  • The country produces only 0.7 million litres of milk annually, with a per capita consumption of 8.7 litres, far below the World Health Organization's 210 litres benchmark.
  • President Tinubu commended Arla Foods and Arla Dano Farm for their investment in dairy production in Kaduna State, which is now emerging as a dairy hub and a model for modern livestock development.
  • Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State highlighted the state's commitment to agricultural transformation, with over 10 percent of its 2025 budget allocated to food security.
  • Agriculture contributes 51 percent of Kaduna State's GDP and employs about 70 percent of the population.
  • 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.
  • Arla Dano Farm plans to double its dairy production next year, with over 400 dairy cows currently in operation.
  • The project aims to make Damau the 'heart of milk production in Nigeria.'
  • The event highlighted the establishment of the Nigerian Dairy Centre of Excellence, along with the commissioning of a yogurt factory and the unveiling of the Sustainable Climate Resilient Economic Empowerment and Nutrition (SCREEN) project.

Statistics:

  • Nigeria imports over $1.5 billion worth of dairy products annually.
  • Nigeria produces only 0.7 million litres of milk annually.
  • Per capita milk consumption in Nigeria is 8.7 litres, far below the World Health Organization's 210 litres benchmark.
  • 1,000 pastoralist families will benefit from the Damau Household Milk Farm Project.
  • 8,000 hectares of land are allocated for the Damau Farm project, with 600 hectares developed for irrigated pasture.
  • Arla Dano Farm has over 400 dairy cows currently in operation, with plans to double production next year.

Sources:

  • "President Tinubu vows to end Nigeria's dependence on imported milk and dairy products" by [no specific source mentioned]
  • "Kaduna emerges as dairy hub, model for modern livestock development" by [no specific source mentioned]
  • "Agriculture contributes 51% of Kaduna State's GDP, employs 70% of population" by [no specific source mentioned]
  • "Arla Dano Farm to double production next year, make Damau 'heart of milk production in Nigeria'" by [no specific source mentioned]
  • "Nigeria Dairy Centre of Excellence, yogurt factory, and SCREEN project to enhance dairy production" by [no specific source mentioned]

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