FG Considers Public-Private Partnership to Boost Local Milk Production

The Federal Government is considering a public-private partnership to increase local milk production, reduce Nigeria's estimated 1.5 billion dollar annual dairy import bill, and strengthen the livestock value chain. The plan was discussed during the review of a proposal submitted by Hillview Ranch Enterprises Limited.

Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said dairy development remains a key part of the Federal Government's livestock transformation agenda. He said Nigeria has the resources, market and workforce needed to build a competitive dairy industry and reduce dependence on imported dairy products. He added that any large-scale investment must be supported by proper technical planning, sustainable financing and internationally recognised PPP structures. The Minister directed that the proposal be further developed with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and other stakeholders before implementation.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hillview Ranch Enterprises Limited, Ladan Jibrilu, said the proposal seeks to import 60,000 pregnant or lactating dairy cattle in phases, starting with 2,500 cattle. He said the project is expected to produce about 229.5 million litres of milk annually, create jobs, improve ranch productivity and reduce Nigeria's dairy imports. The company also requested the Ministry's approval for the proposal, the establishment of a technical working group and the start of ranch readiness assessments.