Tinubu Charts Bold Path to End Nigeria’s Milk Import Dependence

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to transform Nigeria’s dairy and livestock industries, declaring that the nation must move from dependence on imported milk to self-sufficiency powered by innovation, partnership, and local production.

Source:thisdaylive

Speaking at the 2025 Arla-Dano Open Day in Damau, Kaduna State, the President described the initiative as a major leap toward achieving food security and sustainable growth. He lamented that despite having millions of cattle, Nigeria produces only 0.7 million litres of milk yearly—far below national demand—forcing the country to spend over $1.5 billion annually on dairy imports. “This is a paradox we must correct,” he said, applauding Arla Foods and its partners for their investment in modern dairy systems aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Tinubu highlighted the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development as a strategic reform aimed at unlocking the livestock value chain, reducing herder-farmer conflicts, and boosting rural incomes. He praised Kaduna State and Arla Foods for turning Damau into Nigeria’s emerging dairy hub, where climate-smart projects are empowering 1,000 households with improved breeds, better pastures, and access to markets through Arla’s off-take arrangements.

He also announced that Nigeria has secured $2.5 billion in new investments for six modern meat-processing plants—spanning poultry, beef, and pork—to be developed in partnership with Brazil and JBS, the world’s largest meat processor. The facilities, he said, will enhance production capacity, create jobs, and transfer vital technology to local producers.

Tinubu further cited ongoing collaborations such as the EU-funded €18.3 million VACE TARED project, which supports climate-smart agriculture and strengthens value chains in livestock and other key commodities.

Reaffirming his commitment to the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, the President assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to create an enabling environment for agribusiness to thrive. “With our vast land, youthful energy, and shared determination,” he declared, “Nigeria will not just feed itself—it will become a global player in dairy and livestock production.”