Kashim Shettima, the Vice President, has said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to developing the country’s dairy industry to begin exporting milk to other African countries under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
News About Nigeria reports that the goal of the government’s dairy policy is to improve the industry’s infrastructure, increase production, and eventually make Nigeria a major dairy exporter on the continent.
He said this at the unveiling of the National Dairy Policy Document as part of the activities to mark this year’s World Milk Day.
Represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Agribusiness and Productivity Enhancement), Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, Shettima lamented that Nigeria spends $1.5 billion annually on importing dairy products due to a production deficit while it consumes an average of 1.6 billion litres of milk and its products, but domestic production is insufficient to meet this demand.
He, however, said that the National Dairy Policy is designed to serve as a roadmap for energising the dairy industry over the coming years.
Shettima said, “Its implementation will ensure improved dairy farming practices, increased investment in dairy processing and preservation, evidence-based policy implementation, enhanced collaboration, ease of business for the dairy industry, fostering public-private partnerships, embracing technology and innovation, empowering women-friendly and youth-centric business models, promoting good animal health practices, and monitoring and evaluating progress.”
Furthermore, he stated that the potential in Nigeria’s dairy sector is reflected in significant investments from both local and international firms.
The VP said companies like Friesland WAMCO and Danone’s Fan Milk have launched extensive backward integration projects to boost local milk production, foster a strong market for dairy products, reduce the need for imports, and enhance food and nutritional security.
“Additionally, investments in technology and innovation can streamline operations and boost productivity, while public-private partnerships can facilitate access to finance and resources while derisking long-term commitments to the sector.
“By focusing on these strategic investments, stakeholders can unlock the full potential of the dairy value chain, creating a robust and sustainable industry that meets domestic demand and positions Nigeria as a leading dairy producer in Africa
“The transformation of Nigeria’s dairy sector is not just a necessity but a collective responsibility. It requires the concerted efforts of the government, private sector, and all stakeholders to harness the nutrition and investment opportunities in a sustainable dairy value chain,” Shettima added.
Presenting the highlights of the National Dairy Policy, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abdullahi Sabi, said the policy would facilitate the creation of an enabling and supportive environment, job creation and import reduction, milk production targets, and milk collection centres.
Furthermore, he said the policy will also facilitate cooperative business structures, massive investments, import reduction, improved nutrition, capacity-building and support for livestock farmers, financial empowerment, product development and sustainability.
