Nigeria rolls out cattle insemination scheme to boost dairy production

NIGERIA – The Kwara State Government has commenced a statewide cattle artificial insemination program, targeting thousands of animals as part of efforts to improve breeds and increase milk and dairy production.

The initiative, being implemented in collaboration with Genex URUS American International Animal Company, began with 500 cattle in September, while the government aims to increase the number to about 1,000 by the end of the year.

The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, disclosed this during the flag-off of the exercise at TGB Farms in Ganiki, Ilorin South Local Government Area of the state.

He said the intervention was part of the government’s broader efforts to transform livestock production in the state, adding that artificial insemination would help farmers gain access to improved breeds.

The animals had first undergone synchronisation as part of preparations for the insemination, adding that the programme would continue beyond the initial phase.

Additionally, the government disclosed plans to establish an artificial insemination centre in the Malete area of the state, with similar facilities expected to be introduced in other identified communities to improve farmers’ access to the service.

Concurrently, Team Lead of Genex URUS American International Animal Breeding Company, Saka Shittu, said the intervention was designed to improve the quality of cattle through the use of selected semen, particularly to raise dairy production.

He urged cattle owners, including pastoralists and smallholder dairy ranchers, to participate in the scheme, stressing that the service was currently being provided free of charge in Kwara.

Artificial insemination in Nigeria has been at the forefront of the government’s drive to achieve food security, boost milk yield and unlock the economic potential of the livestock sector.

In July, the Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (Kogi L-PRES) flagged off an awareness campaign to implement a Mass Artificial Insemination (AI) Program, aimed at boosting livestock productivity across the livestock value chain clusters in Kogi State.

Furthermore, in January 2026, the Federal Government commissioned a Livestock Development Service Centre alongside an Artificial Insemination and Breed Multiplication Centre in Sokoto State, in a move aimed strengthening food security.

The global artificial insemination market size is valued at US$2.9 billion in 2026 and is projected to grow to USD 4.0 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 8.6% from 2024 to 2030, according to Grand View Research.

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