President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to make Nigeria self-sufficient in milk and livestock production, declaring that the country will no longer rely heavily on imports to meet its dairy needs.
Speaking at the 2025 Arla-Dano Open Day held at Arla Farms, Damau, Kaduna State, Tinubu praised Arla Foods for its investment in Nigeria’s dairy industry, describing it as a model of local content development and backward integration.
“Arla’s success proves that our policies on local content and private-sector collaboration are working. We must correct the paradox of a nation rich in cattle but dependent on imported milk.” The President said.
Tinubu decried Nigeria’s low milk output, noting that the country produces just 0.7 million litres annually, far below the required volume to meet local demand.
He added that the average local cow produces only 0.5 to 1.5 litres of milk daily, compared to the global average of 6.6 litres, forcing Nigeria to spend over $1.5 billion yearly on milk imports.
The President said the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development was part of his government’s strategy to boost productivity, reduce conflicts between farmers and herders, and enhance nutrition and food security.
He commended the Kaduna State Government for turning Damau into Nigeria’s emerging dairy hub through initiatives like the Damau Household Milk Farm, supported by the Danish Government and other development partners working to promote climate-resilient and sustainable dairy farming.
Tinubu also cited key partnerships with the European Union, the FAO, and global investors. He noted that the €18.3 million EU-VACE TARED project and a $2.5 billion private sector investment in six modern meat and poultry processing facilities are part of broader efforts to transform Nigeria’s agricultural value chains, The News Chronicle reports.
“Our Renewed Hope Agenda is transforming agriculture into a driver of jobs, food security, and prosperity. We will continue to create a business-friendly environment for investors like Arla-Dano to thrive.” Tinubu said.
He assured that the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) will further boost agribusiness efficiency and empower local producers.
“With our land, youthful population, and determination, Nigeria will achieve self-sufficiency in dairy and livestock production. We will not relent until every Nigerian has access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food produced within our borders.” Tinubu declared.
The President urged all stakeholders to sustain investment in the dairy sector, support farmers, and build a resilient agricultural future.
