Women dairy farmers key to food security, livestock growth – FG

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women in the dairy sector, describing them as critical drivers of food security, household nutrition, rural livelihoods, and the growth of Nigeria’s dairy economy.

Speaking at a press briefing to mark the commencement of activities for the 2026 World Milk Day celebration on Saturday in Abuja, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, said women remained central to milk production, preservation, storage, processing, and marketing across the country.

Maiha noted that the ministry had earlier conducted a symbolic road walk in Abuja to create awareness on the importance of milk in nutrition, the role of women in the dairy industry, and opportunities within Nigeria’s dairy value chain.

He said, “This year’s World Milk Day celebration is particularly significant as it highlights the theme of celebrating women dairy farmers and their invaluable contributions to food security, household nutrition, rural livelihoods, and the growth of the dairy economy. Across Nigeria, women remain central to milk production, preservation, storage, processing, and marketing.”

According to him, “The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development recognizes that no meaningful transformation of the dairy sector can occur without the inclusion and empowerment of women.”

He added that the ministry was committed to promoting gender-responsive dairy policies and interventions through the strengthening of dairy cooperatives, skills development, milk aggregation systems, value addition, and enterprise support initiatives.

The minister disclosed that Nigeria’s annual milk demand stands at about 1.7 million metric tonnes, while local production currently ranges between 600,000 and 700,000 metric tonnes, resulting in significant import dependence.

“Our national annual milk demand is estimated at 1.7 million metric tonnes, while local production currently ranges between 600,000 and 700,000 metric tonnes annually. This gap continues to drive significant import dependence and foreign exchange expenditure estimated at over US$1.5 billion annually on dairy imports,” he said.

Maiha, however, said efforts under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development had begun to change the trajectory of the dairy sector.

“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and through the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024, Nigeria has begun implementing one of the most coordinated livestock and dairy transformation efforts in recent history,” he stated.

The minister revealed that the ministry would officially unveil the validated Implementation Framework of the National Dairy Policy on June 1, 2026, during the World Milk Day Conference.

He explained that the framework emerged from a stakeholders’ engagement held in Abuja in November 2025, which focused on strengthening local milk production, dairy processing, cold chain systems, milk aggregation, pasture development, ranch infrastructure, animal health services, and private sector participation.

Maiha also highlighted growing investments in the sector, citing commitments by dairy firms including Arla Foods, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Nestlé, Danone, and others.

According to him, a new investor, Pure Dairy Herds, plans to establish a 5,000-cow dairy farm in Ogun State, training centres in Ogun and Taraba states, and a 5,000 smallholder out-grower scheme.

He further disclosed that in March, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority signed a $496m Memorandum of Understanding with Asset Green Limited for an integrated dairy livestock production and processing enterprise in Nigeria.

“The project includes a 10,000-milking cow dairy operation, fodder production, and a modern dairy processing facility capable of producing fresh milk, butter, cream, milk powder, and infant formula. It is projected to generate approximately 2,500 direct jobs and over 5,000 indirect jobs across the dairy value chain,” he said.

Maiha said the ministry was intensifying implementation of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy to promote dairy industrialisation through investments in feed and fodder systems, animal health, infrastructure, cold chain development, genetics improvement, dairy hubs, milk aggregation centres, and climate-smart livestock systems.

He announced plans for a proposed Women and Youth in Livestock Empowerment Initiative aimed at expanding economic opportunities for 37,000 women and young people across livestock value chains.

“The initiative, which is currently undergoing final stakeholder consultations and programme design, is expected to be formally launched within the next phase of the Ministry’s livestock transformation agenda,” he said.

He added that the ministry was exploring the establishment of women-led milk aggregation and processing cooperatives within grazing reserves and had already undertaken capacity-building and empowerment programmes for smallholder dairy farmers in Borno and Oyo states.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Chinyere Akujobi, said the World Milk Day road walk demonstrated the collective commitment of stakeholders to improved nutrition, healthier lifestyles, and sustainable livestock development.

“The theme for this year’s World Milk Day celebration, ‘Celebrating Women Farmers,’ rightly acknowledges the critical role of Nigerian women in dairy production, household nutrition, food security, and rural economic transformation. Their contribution is indispensable to the resilience and productivity of our livestock sector,” she said.

Akujobi noted that the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy places strong emphasis on women and youth empowerment, describing it as one of the strategy’s ten key pillars.

She called on stakeholders to sustain support for initiatives to grow the dairy sector and increase public awareness of the nutritional and economic value of milk and dairy products.