World Milk Day: Dairy Group Warns Against Misleading Milk Products

The Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria, CODARAN, has raised concerns over the growing sale of low-cost milk substitutes and creamers marketed as milk products. The association says the trend could mislead consumers.

Source: nutritionsource

Speaking at the 2026 World Milk Day Conference in Abuja, CODARAN President, Muhammadu Damakka Abubakar, urged Nigerians to carefully check product labels before making purchases.

Abubakar explained that while creamers and milk substitutes may be used in food preparation, they do not offer the same nutritional value as fresh milk and dairy products. He encouraged consumers to choose genuine dairy products whenever possible.

Also at the conference, Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said Nigeria's annual milk demand stands at about 1.7 million metric tonnes. He noted that local production remains between 600,000 and 700,000 metric tonnes.

According to the minister, the supply gap continues to drive dairy imports worth more than 1.5 billion dollars each year. He also announced the unveiling of the National Dairy Policy Implementation Framework aimed at strengthening local milk production and the dairy sector.