Nigeria loses $1.5bn yearly to imported milk — Tinubu warns
...Says $2.5bn investment will boost local livestock
By Obasola Olatunde
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has criticised Nigeria’s annual expenditure of over $1.5 billion on imported milk and dairy products, pointing out that the nation possesses abundant livestock resources.
He drew attention to the stark disparity between the country’s average milk yield and global standards, noting that indigenous cows produce just 0.5 to 1.5 litres per day, compared with the worldwide average of 6.6 litres.
Addressing attendees at the 2025 Arla-Dano Open Day on Wednesday, October 29, at Arla Farms in Damau, Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the President, represented by federal officials, praised Arla Foods for establishing a modern dairy facility that aligns with government policies on local content development and backward integration.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s determination to strengthen Nigeria’s dairy sector and reduce reliance on imported products, describing the industry as a crucial component of the country’s food security and economic diversification plans.
“Our average milk yield of 0.5 to 1.5 litres per day per cow is far below the global average of 6.6 litres. This disparity must be addressed,” he said.
He recalled that the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development last year was designed to unlock the livestock sector’s potential, mitigate farmer-herder conflicts, and ensure food and nutritional security for Nigerians.
The President also commended Kaduna State’s efforts in developing the Damau Dairy Hub, which hosts initiatives such as the Arla Farm and the Damau Household Milk Farm Project. This programme provides improved cows, veterinary services, and infrastructure to 1,000 households. He added that the Danish Government is supporting these interventions through climate-resilient dairy development projects aimed at building local producers’ capacities.
Drawing attention to international collaboration, Tinubu referred to the €18.3 million EU-VACE TARED Project, which promotes climate-smart agriculture across several value chains including dairy, cocoa, ginger, and tomato. He also highlighted Nigeria’s partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, focusing on transforming the country’s food systems through targeted agricultural investments.
The President disclosed that his administration has secured a $2.5 billion investment commitment from global agribusiness partners to establish six modern meat-processing factories nationwide, a move expected to generate employment and enhance domestic livestock processing.
“Your investments in expanding dairy production, developing farmers’ skills, and creating employment opportunities complement our Renewed Hope Agenda. This administration will continue to ensure an enabling environment for investors such as Arla-Dano,” Tinubu said.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria’s extensive arable land, youthful population, and rising investor confidence position the nation to achieve self-sufficiency in dairy and livestock products.
“We will persist until every Nigerian has access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food produced within our borders,” he stated.
The President encouraged ongoing cooperation among stakeholders, farmers, and private investors to advance sustainable agriculture and nutrition awareness, emphasising the government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s dairy potential into a model of productivity and prosperity.