The Federal Government has launched a critical initiative to transform Nigeria’s small-scale dairy farmers—who produce over 80% of the nation’s milk—into a competitive, inclusive, and self-reliant sector. This strategic move aims to address the country’s massive milk production deficit and reduce its heavy reliance on expensive imports.
Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, announced the plan during a capacity-building training for small-scale farmers in Maiduguri, Borno State. Represented by Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, a Director in the ministry, she emphasized that empowering these farmers is central to national economic and nutritional security.
The Stark Productivity Gap: A National Challenge
Dr. Akujobi highlighted a critical issue underpinning the need for intervention: “The average Nigerian cow produces only 1 to 2 litres of milk per day, compared to global averages of 20 to 30 litres under improved management systems.” This staggering gap is not primarily due to breed limitations but to systemic challenges in feeding, animal healthcare, breeding practices, and general farm management. Nigeria currently spends billions of Naira annually importing milk powder to bridge the gap between domestic supply and consumer demand, representing a significant drain on foreign exchange.
Beyond Policy: A Practical Roadmap for Transformation
The government’s approach is rooted in its National Dairy Policy, which provides a clear roadmap. However, Dr. Akujobi stressed that “policies alone do not create change. Real impact happens when knowledge reaches the farmer.” The strategy is multi-pronged, focusing on:
- Improved Animal Productivity: Through better genetics, nutrition, and healthcare.
- Structured Market Linkages: Connecting farmers directly to processors to ensure fair pricing and reduce spoilage.
- Private Sector Participation: Encouraging investment in local milk collection, chilling facilities, and processing plants.
- Empowerment of Smallholders: Via targeted extension services, capacity building, and access to appropriate technology.
The Maiduguri Training: A Model for Hands-On Intervention
The three-day training program in Maiduguri, organized in partnership with ZAHDIL Global Ltd, serves as a practical template. Designed for 100 farmers, it moves beyond theory to address observed gaps. As explained by Mr. Idriss Mamu, Managing Director of ZAHDIL, the curriculum covers milk hygiene, breeding management, disease prevention, and feeding strategies for lactating cows.
Critically, the program includes a tangible support component: “On the final day, we will distribute milking cans, salt licks, and animal feed to all participants.” This combination of knowledge transfer and essential tool provision is designed to create immediate, measurable improvements in milk quality and yield.
The Broader Context: Nutrition, Jobs, and National Security
Revitalizing the dairy sector has implications far beyond economics. It is intrinsically linked to Nigeria’s nutrition agenda, providing a sustainable source of protein for a growing population. In regions like the Northeast, it offers a viable livelihood, contributing to stability and economic recovery. A competitive dairy sector can generate millions of jobs across the value chain—from feed production and veterinary services to transportation, processing, and retail.
The success of this initiative hinges on sustained implementation, consistent funding, and robust collaboration between the government, private sector, and the farming communities themselves. If successful, it can turn a perennial national vulnerability into a source of strength, creating a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural economy.
Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed
Source: NAN
