FG reaffirms partnership with private sector to boost local milk production

By Joy Baba-Yesufu

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with private sector operators to accelerate dairy breed improvement, increase local milk production and drive the transformation of Nigeria’s livestock sector.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, gave the assurance during a meeting with the management of Integrated Dairies Limited (IDL), according to a statement issued on Friday by the ministry.

The meeting centred on expanding dairy breeding programmes, improving livestock genetics, supporting pastoral livelihoods and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported dairy breeds and milk products.

During the meeting, Integrated Dairies Limited requested additional land to expand its operations, saying the expansion would significantly increase its capacity for dairy breeding and other value chain activities.

The company outlined its contributions to Nigeria’s dairy industry, including fodder production, milk collection and aggregation, processing, farmer support services, animal healthcare and breed improvement through partnerships with local and international organisations.

According to the ministry, the company’s breeding programme has successfully developed high-performing first-generation (F1) dairy breeds with improved milk yields, higher conception rates and enhanced productivity.

It said the proposed expansion would facilitate the establishment of additional breeding hubs, accelerate the multiplication and distribution of improved dairy breeds, create employment opportunities, strengthen technical capacity and improve the livelihoods of pastoral communities.

The meeting also reviewed proposals to expand the use of Artificial Insemination (AI), Embryo Transfer (ET) and other genetic improvement programmes, alongside plans to establish world-class breeding and research centres to support sustainable livestock development.

Maiha described Integrated Dairies Limited as one of Nigeria’s foremost indigenous dairy companies, commending its investments in livestock genetics, milk aggregation and pastoral community development.

He said improved breeding systems remain a critical pillar of the Federal Government’s livestock transformation agenda, noting that initiatives such as the Wase Grazing Reserve would provide a platform for expanding improved dairy production while promoting peaceful coexistence between pastoralists and farming communities.

The minister stressed the importance of stronger community engagement, capacity building and sustainable business models that integrate pastoralists into modern livestock production systems.

He also called for practical measures to improve nationwide access to quality livestock genetics, feed resources, animal health services and modern breeding technologies.

Maiha assured the company of the ministry’s willingness to explore areas of collaboration that would support its expansion plans in line with the Federal Government’s drive to modernise the livestock sector.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration to advance dairy genetics, increase domestic milk production, strengthen food security, create jobs and position Nigeria as a leading dairy producer in Africa.

Nigeria currently spends significant foreign exchange on the importation of milk and dairy products. Industry stakeholders believe that expanding local dairy production through improved livestock genetics and stronger public-private partnerships is critical to reducing import dependence, improving farmers’ incomes and enhancing national food security.