Milk Day: Shettima presents national milk policy

The federal government has launched a national dairy policy aimed at strengthening development in the livestock and dairy sectors.

The policy, approved by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja on Tuesday, aims to achieve sustainable diversification of the national economy, a key objective of the National Development Plan (2021-2025).

The document was intended to serve as an action plan to revitalize the dairy industry in the coming years.

This policy was the result of several consultations and meetings with key stakeholders who shared the vision of a productive and globally competitive dairy sector in Nigeria.

In her speech at the unveiling of the document, Shettima said milk is not a staple but a cornerstone of Nigeria’s nutritional security and economic development.

Tagged: “Harnessing Nutrition and Investment Opportunities in a Sustainable Dairy Value Chain” Shettima, represented by Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to Shettima on Agribusiness, said the policy was of particular importance for the development of dairy farming in the country.

He said that since its inception, the benefits of milk and dairy products have been actively promoted globally, highlighting how dairy has provided the livelihoods of one billion people.

“Dairy is an accessible, affordable and nutrient-dense food essential to a balanced diet around the world.

“Billions of people consume milk and milk products every day not only as an important source of food, but also as a source of livelihood for farmers, processors, store owners and other stakeholders in the dairy value chain.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that consumers, industry and governments have up-to-date information on the impact of milk and dairy products on human nutrition.

“And how developing the dairy industry can best increase food security and alleviate poverty in Nigeria.”

Shettima said dairy farming offers significant opportunities for economic development and employment for young people.

“However, these opportunities are not without challenges.

“Our farmers often struggle with issues such as inadequate feed for their animals, conflicts over pastures and the adverse effects of climate change.”

These challenges have been compounded by violent conflicts between farmers and cattle ranchers over land use, he said.

“The situation is exacerbated by increasing droughts and the urgent need for sustainable solutions.

“Recognizing these challenges, the Federal Government is launching a National Dairy Policy that aims to transform the dairy industry in Nigeria.”

Shettima said the policy would address key obstacles such as the lack of modern, global best practices in crossbreeding and calving, high mic costs and poor transport infrastructure, among others.

“Nigeria currently spends $1.5 billion annually on dairy imports due to production deficit.

“Nigerians consume an average of 1.6 billion liters of milk and milk products, but domestic production is insufficient to meet this demand.

“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to achieve national production security, with the long-term goal of ultimately exporting dairy products to other African countries under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).”

He disclosed that the implementation of this policy will ensure improved dairy farm practices, increased investment in dairy processing and preservation, implementation of evidence-based policies and enhanced collaboration.

Shettima said it would also make it easier to do business in the dairy industry by supporting public-private partnerships, leveraging technology and innovation, and empowering women-friendly and youth-focused business models.

“Its implementation will promote good animal health practices and monitor and evaluate progress,” he said.

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, said the national dairy policy was in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Program to reposition the livestock sector.

He said the document would create a conducive and supportive environment for growth in the dairy sector.

Abdullahi said there was potential in the dairy industry, adding that with consistency and persistence in implementing the policy, Nigeria would soon become self-sufficient in milk and milk products.