The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given its approval for the implementation of the National Dairy Policy, aimed at strengthening the livestock farming industry. The policy is expected to bring stability and sustainability to the dairy sector, resolve conflicts between farmers and herders, and attract significant investments.
During a recent Ministerial Press Briefing held at the minister’s conference room in Abuja, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar spoke about the significance of the policy. Under the theme “Sustainable Dairy: Good for Planet, Good for You,” he highlighted the various benefits it would provide, including the creation of job opportunities, reduction in the nation’s expenditure on milk imports, and improvement in the nutritional status of Nigerians.
Abubakar emphasised that the policy would foster an enabling environment for increased milk production, processing, distribution, and consumption, ultimately leading to higher earnings for livestock farmers. As part of the implementation process, the ministry plans to organise focused discussions on dairy development in Nigeria, with industry experts sharing their insights on finance, agribusiness and the environment. A communique summarising the outcomes of these discussions will be issued at the conclusion of the event.
The minister also took the opportunity to highlight some of the achievements in the dairy subsector. He mentioned capacity building and empowerment programmes for dairy farmers in Bauchi and Plateau States, as well as the construction and equipping of 12 milk collection centres across six states. These centres, located in Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kwara, Niger and Plateau states, are awaiting handover to milk processors.
In support of the policy, the national president of the Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN), Dianabasi Akpainyang commended the Federal Government and called on dairy ranchers in the country to collaborate and contribute to the growth and competitiveness of the dairy sub-sector. Similarly, the managing partner of Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition, Temi Adegoroye pledged continuous technical support from their organisation to the development of the dairy subsector.
The director of animal husbandry services, Mrs. Winnie Solarin expressed her gratitude and highlighted the positive impact the National Dairy Policy would have on the dairy subsector, increasing the earnings of livestock farmers.
To celebrate the 2023 World Milk Day, the ministry, in collaboration with six other organisations, namely the Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN), Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI), SAHEL Consulting and Nutrition Nigeria Ltd, Agriculture Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN) and the Centre for Journalism and Innovation Development (CJID), will host a Mega World Milk Day event. The celebration, scheduled from May 31 to June 1, 2023, will feature lectures, discussions, exhibitions and children’s programmes. The event will be held at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry complex, located along Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Road in Lugbe, Abuja, FCT.
Representatives from the ministry’s development partners, including CODARAN, ACCI, SAHEL Consulting and Nutrition Nigeria Ltd, ACAN and CJID, among others, were present at the ministerial press briefing.
The ministry’s director of information, Ikemefuna Ezeaja issued a statement regarding the event, expressing enthusiasm for the involvement of these organisations and their commitment to the success of the National Dairy Policy.
