FG, MAN Dairy Group Strengthen Partnership to Boost Production

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders to enhance dairy production and reduce the importation of milk and dairy products in Nigeria.

The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, stated this on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Abuja while receiving members of the Dairy Sub-Sector Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) on a courtesy visit to his office.

The Minister emphasised that strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders are critical to revitalising the dairy sector and unlocking Nigeria’s vast livestock potential. He identified priority areas for collaboration to include breed improvement, expansion of milk aggregation and collection centres, farmer capacity building, as well as feed and fodder development.

He noted that improving livestock genetics and strengthening milk collection infrastructure are essential steps toward increasing local milk production and building a competitive dairy value chain.

The Minister also highlighted the significant economic opportunities in the sector, noting that Nigeria currently spends about $1.5 billion annually on the importation of dairy and dairy products, as well as another $1.5 billion on vaccines, despite having the largest market for such products in Africa.

According to him, the Ministry is working to attract investors into the sector through strategic public-private partnerships. “We are looking for partners. We have 417 grazing reserves that we are going to rehabilitate, and each of them is available for investors who are willing to work with us. This is one of the ways to revive the dairy sector and increase local production,” the Minister said.

He further urged the association to work closely with the Ministry in developing a strategic plan to support local dairy farmers, improve productivity, and gradually reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported dairy products.

Earlier in her remarks, the Chairperson of the Dairy Sub-Sector Group of MAN and Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Ore Famurewa, said the purpose of the visit was to reaffirm the group’s commitment to Nigeria’s organised dairy industry and strengthen collaboration with the Ministry in implementing the National Dairy Policy.

She noted that although Nigeria has strong consumer demand for dairy products, local milk production remains significantly below national consumption levels, creating a substantial supply gap.

Famurewa stated that member companies of the MAN Dairy Sub-Sector Group have continued to support the development of the sector through investments in local milk sourcing initiatives, establishment of milk production centres and dairy clusters, training and integration of pastoralists and smallholder dairy farmers, as well as investments in processing capacity and cold chain infrastructure.

She proposed deeper collaboration between the group and the Ministry in areas such as expansion of local milk production through structured dairy clusters and milk collection networks, breed improvement and productivity enhancement, feed and pasture development, farmer capacity building, and structured public-private partnerships to accelerate the implementation of the National Dairy Policy.

According to her, the group remains committed to partnering with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to build a sustainable, competitive, and inclusive dairy industry that supports food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods in Nigeria.

Members of the MAN Dairy Sub-Sector Group include Nestlé Nigeria Plc, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Dano Milk, Arla Foods, and Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN), among others.

Ogochukwu Igboamalu
Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Information)
10th March, 2026