Nigerian Dairy Farmers Struggle as Cheap EU Imports Undermine Local Industry

Nigeria’s dairy farmers are fighting a losing battle as heavily subsidised dairy imports from Europe, especially from Ireland, continue to flood the local market—leaving local producers unable to compete. Despite government promises to boost local milk production, the dairy sector remains underfunded and unprotected, weakening its ability to thrive.

Source: Business Insider Africa

A joint investigation by Premium Times and Noteworthy reveals that European milk powders, especially fat-filled milk powder (FFMP), are entering the Nigerian market at significantly reduced prices due to subsidies granted under the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy. Irish dairy exports to Nigeria alone reached €293.5 million in 2023, making up nearly 90% of Nigeria’s imported dairy products.

While these imports help fill Nigeria’s milk supply gap, they are also crippling local production. Farmers and industry experts say the government’s dairy policy does not adequately protect or support local businesses. Many dairy entrepreneurs, particularly small-scale operators, are shutting down operations within a few years, unable to withstand the price pressure from cheaper imports.

Although Nigeria’s National Dairy Policy was introduced to increase local milk production, stakeholders argue that the current framework unintentionally favours importers. With minimal tariffs on imported milk powders and limited financial support for local producers, the policy has done little to change the dominance of foreign dairy products in the Nigerian market.

Government officials claim efforts are ongoing to improve local production, but dairy farmers remain skeptical. Without subsidies, infrastructure, or access to affordable credit, most local producers cannot scale or sustain their businesses. Meanwhile, rural communities that depend on dairy farming for livelihoods are bearing the brunt of the economic strain.

Experts warn that unless urgent steps are taken—such as raising tariffs on milk imports and investing in local dairy value chains—Nigeria’s goal of self-sufficiency in milk production will remain out of reach. For now, foreign powders continue to line supermarket shelves, while fresh, locally produced milk struggles to survive.