(3 Minutes Read)
In a bold move to reduce Nigeria’s staggering USD 1.5 billion annual dairy import bill, Livestock Minister Idi Maiha has launched a strategic initiative aimed at transforming the nation’s dairy industry. The plan, announced during a press briefing, includes major investments in high-yield cattle breeds, improved pasture species, and a new national genetic resources strategy.
The goal is ambitious but achievable — to double Nigeria’s milk production from 700,000 tonnes to 1.4 million tonnes annually within the next five years, Minister Maiha declared. Nigeria’s dairy sector currently produces only 700,000 tonnes of milk annually — less than half of its national demand of 1.6 million tonnes. This shortfall forces the country to import milk and dairy products at a steep cost to its economy.
Dianabasi Akpainyang, Executive Director of the Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN), highlighted the sector’s unrealised potential, describing it as a “goldmine” in 2023. However, he pointed to a critical bottleneck: poor yields from local cattle. While managed pastures can deliver up to eight litres per cow daily, the average output from traditional pastoralist herds remains dismally low, between 0.5 and 1.5 litres.
To address this productivity gap, the government has facilitated the importation of over 200 high-yield dairy heifers from Denmark, now housed on a dedicated Nigerian farm. These animals include breeds like the Danish Holstein and Danish Red, globally recognised for their superior milk output, udder health, and feed efficiency. Under ideal conditions, a Danish Holstein can produce 8,000 to 10,000 litres of milk annually — a dramatic improvement over the 300 to 500 litres typically yielded by indigenous Nigerian cattle.
These imported cattle are being integrated into an intensive breeding program, aiming to establish a foundational herd that can be scaled across the country. The breeding strategy is supported by advancements in veterinary care, structured housing, and improved nutrition systems tailored to optimise milk production. In tandem with livestock upgrades, the ministry has also registered eight new pasture species designed to enhance cattle nutrition and optimise milk yields. These grasses are more nutrient-dense and climate-resilient, aligning with modern ranching practices.
Furthermore, the government, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), has launched a National Strategy for Animal Genetic Resources. This roadmap will guide the conservation, enhancement, and sustainable utilisation of Nigeria’s livestock gene pool.
This multi-pronged initiative represents a critical pillar of Nigeria’s broader livestock development strategy, which prioritises reducing foreign exchange outflows, increasing rural incomes, and ensuring food security. By leveraging international partnerships, cutting-edge genetics, and modern agronomic practices, the government hopes to position Nigeria as a regional dairy powerhouse.
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“This is not just about reducing imports,” Maiha emphasised. “It’s about building a sustainable, high-performing dairy industry that empowers our farmers and feeds our nation.” If successful, the initiative could serve as a blueprint for other African countries facing similar dairy production challenges — blending innovation, investment, and indigenous potential into a new era of agricultural transformation.
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