Nigeria embarks on major reforms to cut US$1.5B in dairy imports

NIGERIA – Nigeria is currently facing an annual expenditure of approximately US$1.5 billion on dairy imports, a consequence of prolonged neglect of the country’s livestock industry, according to President Bola Tinubu. 

Speaking during the official inauguration of Nigeria’s Ministry of Livestock Development, Tinubu emphasized that the heavy reliance on imported dairy products reveals the need for swift and effective reforms to boost local production, improve food security, and cut national import costs.

The initiative aligns with Tinubu’s earlier move to form the Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee in July 2024. 

The committee, led by Attahiru Jega, was tasked with drafting a roadmap for revitalizing Nigeria’s livestock sector and transitioning it from a subsistence-driven industry to a commercialized, value-generating sector. 

Tinubu, highlighting the sector’s critical role in Nigeria’s development, called for strategic actions to unlock its potential, stating, “The livestock sector is very important. We are going to give it all it needs to bring value to our country.”

Currently, Nigeria’s production of animal-source foods falls significantly below demand. 

With only 0.7 billion liters of milk, 1.48 million tonnes of meat, and 0.69 million metric tonnes of eggs produced annually, the nation’s per capita consumption remains far from global averages. 

For instance, while the global average for milk consumption stands at 44 liters per person, Nigeria’s per capita rate is only 8.7 liters. 

Furthermore, the milk yield of cows managed by Nigerian pastoralists averages between 0.5 and 1.5 liters daily, compared to the global average of 6.6 liters.

This disparity has led to high import bills, putting a strain on Nigeria’s economy and limiting its capacity to meet domestic demand. 

Tinubu highlighted the potential in Nigeria’s vast land resources, particularly in states like Kwara and Niger, which are set to play vital roles in the development plan. 

He noted that investment in cold storage and processing facilities could significantly boost production and help bridge the demand-supply gap. 

“We must work together to realize this vision,” he urged, adding that investor interest in the livestock sector is on the rise.

The government’s reform agenda aims to enhance Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in dairy and livestock products by creating an enabling environment for investment, modernizing pastoral systems, and increasing productivity. 

Tinubu affirmed that the administration is fully committed to providing necessary infrastructure, regulatory support, and policies that would incentivize both domestic and foreign investors to engage in the livestock sector. 

He expressed confidence that these steps will not only create new jobs and boost Nigeria’s GDP but also help secure a healthier, more prosperous future for Nigerians. 

With collaboration from stakeholders and a strong investment framework, the administration seeks to transform the livestock sector into a thriving industry that meets national demands and reduces reliance on costly imports.

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