The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to convene the first-ever National Council on Livestock Development before the close of 2025. This landmark initiative aims to create a unified platform that will drive policy coordination, strategic planning, and sustainable development across the country’s livestock sector.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha during a press conference held in Abuja to mark this year’s World Milk Day celebrations. The minister described the Council as the apex forum for harmonising livestock policies and initiatives at all levels of government and across various sectors involved in livestock production.
“The National Council on Livestock Development will bring together key stakeholders, including state governments, development partners, private sector players, researchers and pastoralist communities,” said Maiha. “Our goal is to create a cohesive national agenda that aligns with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of this administration, ensuring the livestock sector’s sustainable growth and development.”
In a related development, Maiha outlined ambitious plans to transform Nigeria’s dairy industry. He emphasised the government’s commitment to doubling local milk production to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on imports, which currently cost Nigeria over $1.5 billion annually. The minister revealed that Nigeria aims to increase its milk production from the current 700,000 metric tonnes per year to 1.4 million metric tonnes within the next five years.
“This is a critical step towards achieving nutritional self-sufficiency and unlocking the vast economic potential within the livestock sector,” the minister said.
World Milk Day festivities included a high-profile road show, led by the minister, alongside the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi. The event commenced at Eagle Square and attracted active participation from Federal Ministry of Livestock Development staff, sector stakeholders, civil society organisations and dairy enthusiasts. The road show underscored a shared commitment to building a healthy, productive and self-reliant dairy economy in Nigeria.
Speaking at an interactive session with journalists, the minister highlighted the guiding framework for the sector’s growth, the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS). “Our strategy focuses on critical pillars such as feed and fodder development, livestock value chain transformation, breed improvement, animal health, youth and women empowerment, and access to finance,” he said.
Maiha also pointed to significant achievements made under the current administration, including the registration of eight new pasture species, the first such registrations in 48 years. He noted the development of the National Strategy and Action Plan on Animal Genetic Resources, as well as ongoing efforts to expand livestock vaccine production at the National Veterinary Research Institute in Vom, Plateau State, from 120 million doses to 850 million doses annually.
Other milestones include the commissioning of a solar-powered cold storage facility in Sheda, Abuja, and the inauguration of the Wase Livestock Village, which serves as a model for rehabilitating Nigeria’s 417 grazing reserves.
Maiha highlighted milestone projects demonstrating progress in the sector, such as the Arla Dairy Farm in Kaduna and the Nestlé-backed Paikon Kore Dairy Training Facility in Abuja. He also praised the Ekiti State government and Promasidor for transforming the Ikun Dairy Farm into a high-yielding operation producing 10,000 litres of milk daily.
Acknowledging the crucial role of state governments, development partners, and private sector players, Maiha revealed that nearly half of Nigeria’s 36 states have established their ministries or agencies dedicated to livestock development. This movement aligns closely with the Federal Government’s broader agenda to enhance food security, economic inclusion, and rural transformation.
According to a statement by the ministry’s director of information and public relations, Ben Goong several companies and organizations are partnering with the ministry to boost the dairy sector. These include Friesland Campina Wamco, Arla Foods, Zaidi Farms Ltd, Nestlé Nigeria, Integrated Dairies and Promasidor, alongside development agencies such as the FAO, Sahel Consulting and the Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN). These partnerships focus on introducing best practices, investing in dairy demonstration farms, and supporting smallholder farmers.
Finally, Maiha lauded the media for their vital role in shaping public perception and amplifying government efforts. “Your voices shape perception, your stories amplify impact and your platforms connect government efforts with the people they are meant to serve,” he said. “The success of this Ministry’s vision depends, in part, on how well we tell our story. We need you to help us tell it boldly, accurately, passionately, and consistently.”
