Nigeria explores dairy cooperation with Uganda to boost milk production

NIGERIA – Nigeria has opened discussions with Uganda to strengthen cooperation in livestock productivity, animal health and dairy processing as the country seeks to expand domestic milk production and reduce its reliance on imported dairy products.

The discussions took place on October 15, when Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, met Ugandan Ambassador Philip Odida to explore opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.

According to Nigeria’s Ministry of Livestock Development, the meeting focused on improving dairy cattle genetics, strengthening animal health services, developing more effective feeding systems and expanding milk processing capacity.

The initiative reflects Nigeria’s broader efforts to modernise its livestock industry and establish a stronger domestic dairy value chain.

Uganda’s recent dairy sector performance has attracted attention as Nigeria looks for practical ways to improve production and processing.

According to data compiled by Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, national milk production increased from 2.7 billion litres in 2020 to 5.4 billion litres in 2025.

The country’s dairy export earnings also grew significantly, rising from US$102.6 million in 2022 to US$285.4 million in 2024. Milk powder and ultra-high-temperature (UHT) milk are among Uganda’s principal dairy export products.

The discussions between Nigeria and Uganda also covered opportunities to strengthen dairy processing and develop value-added products.

Private-sector representatives reportedly expressed interest in converting surplus milk powder into other products for regional markets.

Uganda-Nigeria talks come after the Kenya Dairy Board welcomed a delegation from the Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN) for a courtesy visit as they began a benchmarking mission to explore best practices across the dairy value chain.

As Nigeria seeks to strengthen its domestic dairy production and transition from reliance on imports towards greater self-sufficiency, the visit provides an important platform for South-South knowledge exchange, peer learning and technical collaboration.

The delegation also toured the Kenya Dairy Board National Dairy Regulatory Laboratory, gaining first-hand insights into Kenya’s regulatory testing and quality assurance systems.

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