Abuja: The Federal Government has unveiled the National Dairy Policy Implementation Framework aimed at strengthening local milk production, dairy processing, cold chain systems, milk aggregation, and pasture development across the country. The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, disclosed this at a Conference and Exhibition in commemoration of the 2026 World Milk Day.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the framework will support ranch infrastructure, animal health services, and private sector participation across the dairy value chain. Maiha highlighted that a significant milestone in the dairy transformation journey was recorded in November 2025 when stakeholders convened to harmonize strategies for strengthening local milk production and dairy development. This engagement resulted in the validation of the National Dairy Policy Implementation Framework, marking a critical step towards translating policy objectives into measurable and actionable outcomes.
Nigeria has embarked on one of the most coordinated livestock and dairy transformation efforts in recent history. The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development on July 9, 2024, launched a national roadmap for the livestock sector, fostering broad-based consensus and inspiring the creation of dedicated livestock ministries and agencies in 18 states.
The minister listed achievements including securing a $2.5 billion investment commitment from the Brazilian meat processing company JBS. This investment is expected to support the establishment of six processing facilities over five years, comprising three poultry plants, two beef plants, and one pork processing facility using advanced zero-waste processing technologies.
Maiha also announced the successful implementation of a nationwide anthrax vaccination campaign, with 6.2 million livestock vaccinated. Over 600,000 livestock farmers have been profiled using electronic tools to support collective production and targeted interventions. Trained livestock extension service providers and private veterinary practitioners have been deployed to farmer clusters across the country.
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority has signed a $496 million Memorandum of Understanding with Asset Green Limited of the United Kingdom to establish an integrated dairy livestock production and processing enterprise in Nigeria. The project includes a 10,000-milking-cow dairy operation, fodder production facilities, and a modern dairy processing plant capable of producing fresh milk, butter, cream, milk powder, and infant formula. It is projected to generate about 2,500 direct jobs and over 5,000 indirect jobs across the dairy value chain.
Maiha assured stakeholders that the ministry is intensifying the implementation of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy to promote dairy industrialization. This strategy focuses on investments in feed and fodder systems, animal health services, infrastructure, cold chain development, genetic improvement, dairy hubs, milk aggregation centers, and climate-smart livestock systems.
Speaking on the theme of the event, the minister emphasized promoting greater participation of women in the dairy sector under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He highlighted the importance of labor-saving technologies, improved milk storage systems, mobile veterinary support, and extension services tailored to women dairy producers, noting that women often shoulder the dual responsibilities of livestock production and household care.
Maiha said improving the productivity of women dairy farmers requires investments in infrastructure, training, financing, technology, market access, and social protection. The ministry has undertaken capacity-building and empowerment programs for smallholder dairy farmers in Borno and Oyo states.
The minister concluded by inviting investors to Nigeria’s dairy sector, which spans production, logistics, processing, and marketing. He noted that producing 1,000 liters of fresh milk daily in Nigeria can support between 35 and 75 full-time jobs across the value chain, offering significant employment opportunities in the current Nigerian economy.