FG, NSIA Collaborate on Large-Scale Dairy Production

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to developing large-scale dairy production and processing in Nigeria through strategic collaboration with the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this when a delegation from the NSIA paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

In his remarks, the Minister stated that the Ministry would provide the necessary technical support to drive the initiative, including the deployment of a Technical Working Committee comprising relevant departments within the Ministry to work closely with the NSIA team.

He explained that the Committee would engage with the Authority to develop clear modalities, generate innovative concepts for dairy products, and establish a robust framework for the effective implementation and monitoring of the project.

The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader agenda to boost local dairy production, strengthen rural economies, and promote sustainable economic development, as contained in the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS). 

Mukhtar assured the delegation of the Ministry’s full support, including facilitating access to critical infrastructure such as power and energy, to ensure that Nigeria achieves global best practices in dairy production.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, commended the NSIA for its forward-thinking initiative and expressed the Ministry’s readiness to support the collaboration to ensure long-term sustainability of dairy production in Nigeria.

Earlier, the Senior Vice President of NSIA, Iruansi Itoandon, stated that the visit was aimed at deepening collaboration and discussing implementation strategies for the UK Dairy Project, which seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s dairy value chain through strategic investments, improved livestock productivity, and sustainable milk production systems.

Providing an overview of ongoing projects in Nasarawa State, the NSIA delegation highlighted progress made in dairy development initiatives designed to modernize farming practices and enhance local milk production capacity.

He noted that the project places strong emphasis on improving cattle genetics, feed availability, and pasture management, while also reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported dairy products.

“We are advancing discussions on strengthening investment and partnership frameworks to support dairy infrastructure development, while promoting collaboration between government institutions, private investors, and international partners,” he said.

Itoandon further stressed the importance of capacity building and technology transfer, noting that training programmes for farmers and extension officers form a critical component of the project.

The Committee is expected to undertake a comprehensive review of the project to provide informed recommendations and outline actionable steps necessary to sustain the growth of dairy production in Nigeria.

Henrietta Okokon
Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations
April 30, 2026