Nigeria aims to double milk production by 2030

NIGERIA – The Ministry of Livestock Development has unveiled its plan to double its annual milk production from 700,000 metric tonnes to 1.4 million metric tonnes by 2030 marking a significant step toward self-sufficiency in dairy production.

The announcement was made by Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, during the World Milk Day 2025 celebrations in Abuja, where he emphasised the country’s commitment to transforming its dairy sector.

To achieve this, Nigeria has launched the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Program (NL-GAS), which focuses on six key areas: nutrition improvement, value chain transformation, genetic upgrades, animal health, youth and women empowerment, and financing access.

The government has also established the National Council for the Development of Livestock, bringing together state governments, private companies, technical partners, and pastoralist communities to create a roadmap for sustainable growth in the dairy sector.

Minister Maiha highlighted the importance of innovation and youth participation in achieving the country’s dairy goals.

“Our goal is ambitious but realistic. We plan to double Nigeria’s milk output within the next five years. With over 20.9 million cattle, 60 million sheep, and 1.4 million goats, we are building on solid foundations,” he stated.

Additionally, he stated that the public-private partnerships are playing a crucial role in this transformation.

Companies such as Arla Foods, Promasidor, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, and Integrated Dairies have invested in Nigeria’s dairy industry, with Arla Foods launching a 200-hectare dairy farm in Kaduna and Promasidor operating the Ikun Dairy Farm in Ekiti, which produces 10,000 litres of milk daily.

To achieve the goal of self-sufficiency, the country plans to import dairy cattle from Denmark, as part of a plan to reduce dairy imports that cost the country US$1.5 billion annually.

“So far, eight new pasture species have been registered, the first in 48 years, and a national strategy for animal genetic resources with support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation has been launched,” he said.

Despite boasting one of Africa’s largest cattle populations, Nigeria’s milk output of 700,000 tonnes a year lags its annual consumption of 1.6 million tonnes. This shortfall means the country imports around 60% of its milk.

Maiha said Nigeria’s cattle population, exceeding 20 million, consists largely of low-yield pastoral breeds. He added that a Nigerian farm has already imported over 200 heifers from Denmark, building its herd through intensive breeding.

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