Keypoints:
- Nigeria targets 1.4m tonnes milk output in 5 years
- Over 200 Danish cows imported to kick-start reform
- Government eyes reduced dairy import costs
NIGERIA has begun importing high-yield dairy cattle from Denmark in an ambitious drive to double its milk production within five years and reduce its $1.5 billion annual dairy import bill, Livestock Minister Idi Maiha said on Monday.
Despite being home to one of Africa’s largest livestock populations, Nigeria produces only 700,000 tonnes of milk per year — less than half its 1.6 million tonnes annual demand. This gap forces the country to import around 60 percent of its milk supply.
‘Our goal is ambitious but achievable — to double Nigeria’s milk production from 700,000 to 1.4 million tonnes annually in the next five years,’ Maiha said, in comments reported by Reuters.
Danish breeds kick-start sector overhaul
A Nigerian farm has already imported over 200 dairy heifers from Denmark, using intensive breeding to improve yields. Most of Nigeria’s 20 million cattle are low-yield, indigenous pastoralist breeds. The introduction of high-performance European stock is expected to elevate production standards and demonstrate scalable models for the industry.
Maiha said the initiative is supported by a national strategy on animal genetic resources, launched with the backing of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
‘We are not starting from zero — with over 20.9 million cattle, 60 million sheep, and 1.4 million goats, we are building from strength,’ he noted.
New pasture varieties registered
In a landmark development, Nigeria has registered eight new pasture species, the first in nearly 50 years. The improved pastures are expected to enhance animal nutrition and support more productive dairy herds.
The move is part of a broader government strategy to modernise livestock production through better feed, improved animal genetics, and expanded infrastructure such as cold chains and processing centres.
Closing the milk gap
Nigeria’s persistent milk shortfall has long been viewed as a paradox given the country’s livestock wealth. Experts blame the lag on outdated breeding systems, poor veterinary services, and inadequate investment in dairy logistics.
By partnering with Denmark — a global leader in dairy farming — Nigeria aims to accelerate knowledge transfer, improve local breeds, and create a sustainable domestic dairy sector.
The plan also has food security implications, reducing pressure on foreign reserves and creating jobs in rural communities.
‘This is not just an agricultural project,’ said Maiha. ‘It’s a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s economic resilience and reduce our dependency on imports.’
