FG, Stakeholders Validate Local Milk Action Plan to Cut $1.5bn Dairy Imports
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s dairy and livestock sectors have validated a National Action Plan for the Promotion of Local Milk, in a strategic move to reduce the country’s over $1.5 billion annual dairy import bill and strengthen domestic milk production.
The development was contained in a press release issued on November 9, 2026, by Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, on behalf of the Head of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, following a validation workshop held in Abuja.
The workshop was convened by the Ministry in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Sahel Consulting, with participation from government institutions, development partners, private sector operators, dairy farmers and other stakeholders across the value chain.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, called for a shift from policy discussions to practical interventions capable of addressing the challenges confronting local dairy producers.
Maiha noted that despite Nigeria’s considerable livestock resources, the country continues to spend more than $1.5 billion annually on dairy imports, stressing that reversing the trend requires “coordinated action, sustained investment and stronger linkages between farmers and processors.”
He identified improved dairy breeds, quality feed and water, animal health services, extension support, milk collection and cooling infrastructure, processing capacity and market access as critical areas requiring urgent attention.
The Minister also advocated the development of commercially viable dairy clusters supported by reliable infrastructure, private sector participation and clearly defined institutional responsibilities.
He emphasised that interventions must reflect the realities of different locations and deliver measurable benefits to farmers, while creating greater opportunities for women and young people across the dairy value chain.
Maiha further urged stakeholders to ensure that the Action Plan incorporates clear implementation timelines, funding arrangements, measurable targets and accountability mechanisms.
In his goodwill message, the ECOWAS representative, Dr. Bio Goura Soule, commended Nigeria for developing the Action Plan, highlighting the country’s strategic importance to dairy development in West Africa and the need for stronger regional cooperation.
Similarly, the representative of the Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN), Dianabasi Akpainyang, described the initiative as timely and aligned with national efforts to strengthen the dairy industry, calling for sustained commitment to its implementation.
The representative of Sahel Consulting, speaking on behalf of its Managing Partner, Temi Adegoroye, disclosed that the organisation’s Advancing Local Dairy Development in Nigeria project had facilitated the sourcing of over 16 million litres of milk from local farmers since 2020.
He stressed the importance of expanding the utilisation of locally produced milk by processors to guarantee sustainable markets for farmers and strengthen the domestic dairy value chain.
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment also pledged support through relevant structures, incentives and institutional mechanisms to promote sectoral growth.
The validated Action Plan is expected to provide a coordinated framework for boosting local milk production, strengthening dairy value chains, attracting investment and advancing Nigeria’s drive towards greater dairy self-sufficiency.
