As Nigeria joined the global community to celebrate World Milk Day 2025, the country has laid out an ambitious plan to double its milk production from the current 700,000 metric tonnes to 1.4 million metric tonnes annually by 2030.
The bold declaration was made yesterday in Abuja by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha during a landmark event commemorating the first World Milk Day since the ministry’s establishment on July 9, 2024. The event marked a new chapter in Nigeria’s commitment to transforming its dairy sector and building a more self-reliant and innovative livestock economy.
Currently, Nigeria produces only about 700,000 metric tonnes of milk per year, despite having a population of over 200 million people. Yet, the country consumes an estimated 1.6 million metric tonnes annually, leaving a huge supply deficit of over 60 per cent, one that is currently bridged through costly imports amounting to more than $1.5 billion annually. Even with these imports, Nigeria’s per capita milk consumption still falls well below global and African averages, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommending 210 litres per person annually.
Maiha noted that this mismatch between domestic production and consumption has profound implications—not just for nutrition and food security, but also for foreign exchange reserves and youth employment. He described the new milk production target as not just aspirational, but achievable, citing Nigeria’s existing livestock capacity.
“Our goal is ambitious but realistic. We plan to double Nigeria’s milk output to 1.4 million metric tonnes within the next five years,” Maiha said. “With over 20.9 million cattle, 60 million sheep and 1.4 million goats in the country, we are not starting from scratch—we are building on solid foundations.”
He emphasised that innovation and youth participation would be central to achieving this target and called on Nigeria’s tech-savvy youth to explore dairy beyond traditional farming roles.
“To our youth – coders, agripreneurs, innovators, content creators – you don’t have to wear boots to be part of livestock; sneakers and smartphones can drive this transformation,” the minister said. “Whether it’s drone-assisted pasture monitoring, mobile veterinary services, cold-chain logistics, or digital platforms for traceability and finance, your role is critical.”
Referencing the 2025 Global Dairy Outlook Report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Maiha noted that the countries poised to lead the global dairy sector are those that merge local production capacity with innovation, inclusive policy frameworks, and resilient infrastructure.
“The projected 30 per cent increase in global dairy demand by 2035, as reported by the International Dairy Federation (IDF), is a call to action. Nigeria must not only meet its local consumption needs but strategically position itself to become a regional and global dairy player,” he said.
The ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi echoed similar sentiments, stating that World Milk Day 2025, themed “Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy,” offers an opportunity to take stock of Nigeria’s dairy achievements, assess its challenges, and ignite collaborative momentum for sustainable growth.
“We have the land, we have the livestock, and most importantly, we have the people. But true progress will depend on our ability to build partnerships with private investors, research institutions, development partners and the millions of Nigerians who rely on livestock for income, nutrition, and dignity,” Akujobi said.
She also highlighted that the expanding global demand, driven by urbanisation, growing health awareness, and population growth, makes it even more urgent for Nigeria to reposition its dairy industry from a deficit model to a surplus-driven, export-ready sector.
In his keynote speech, the head of the European Union delegation to Nigeria, Ambassador Gautier Mignot reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s dairy transformation agenda. He said the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, which prioritises climate-smart agriculture and resilient food systems, aligns strongly with Nigeria’s livestock and dairy ambitions.
Mignot welcomed the creation of the Livestock Development Ministry as a critical reform that could unlock untapped economic potential in the dairy value chain. He expressed confidence in Minister Maiha’s leadership and stressed the EU’s readiness to collaborate on technology transfer, research partnerships, and value chain development.
“Nigeria’s future in dairy is bright—but it must be built on innovation, sustainability, and inclusion,” the ambassador noted.
As the 2025 World Milk Day celebration concluded, stakeholders agreed that Nigeria’s road to 1.4 million metric tonnes of annual milk production by 2030 will require not just policy declarations but practical steps, coordinated investment, and a national culture that values dairy as a driver of nutrition, livelihood and economic resilience.
