By Iluole Iwenekha
Nigeria has begun importing dairy cattle from Denmark as part of a major push to double its milk production and cut down on the country’s heavy dependence on milk imports, which currently cost about $1.5 billion annually in foreign exchange.
Despite having one of the largest cattle populations in Africa—estimated at over 20.9 million—the country produces only 700,000 tonnes of milk annually, far short of the national consumption estimated at 1.6 million tonnes. This deficit means that about 60 percent of the milk consumed in Nigeria is imported.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhta, who disclosed the initiative at a press conference held to commemorate the 2025 World Milk Day in Abuja, said the government’s goal is to double local milk production to 1.4 million tonnes in five years.
“Our goal is ambitious but achievable—to double Nigeria’s milk production from 700,000 tonnes to 1.4 million tonnes annually in the next five years,” he stated.
The Minister noted that a key part of this plan involves improving the breed and productivity of local cattle. While Nigeria has a large cattle population, most are low-yield pastoralist breeds. To address this, a Nigerian farm has already imported more than 200 high-yield dairy heifers from Denmark and is building its herd through intensive breeding techniques.
Mukhta also revealed that eight new pasture species have been registered—marking the first time in 48 years this has happened. Additionally, the government has launched a National Strategy for Animal Genetic Resources with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aimed at improving the productivity of local breeds.
“With over 20.9 million cattle, 60 million sheep, and 1.4 million goats already, we are not starting from zero—we are building from strength,” Alhaji Mukhta said.
Efforts to boost domestic milk production are not new. Under the previous administration, Nigeria made attempts to reduce dairy imports by partnering with private firms and launching backward integration policies. Notably, several international dairy companies were encouraged to source raw milk locally by investing in local dairy farms and supporting pastoralist communities with modern milking and storage infrastructure.
However, challenges such as poor breed quality, limited access to pasture and water, and a lack of cold-chain logistics continued to hamper progress.
The new administration’s approach, which includes genetic improvement, pasture development, and strategic cattle imports, is seen as a more coordinated effort to close the milk gap and conserve scarce foreign exchange.
If sustained, the initiative could reduce Nigeria’s food import bill, improve nutrition, create rural jobs, and enhance the country’s food security.
