Nigeria unveils first National Dairy Policy at World Milk Day mega celebration

On 4 June 2024, the Nigerian government unveiled the country’s first-ever National Dairy Policy in Abuja, marking a historic moment for the dairy industry.  This unveiling coincided with a three-day World Milk Day Mega Celebration and highlighted the importance of this sector in Nigeria's development.

The National Dairy Policy, informed by the valuable contributions of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), establishes a crucial framework for guiding future interventions and investments in the dairy sector. This framework aims to expedite the sector's development and transformation, ultimately leading to self-sufficiency in meeting the nation's demand for milk and dairy products.

Nigeria currently faces a significant gap between domestic production and consumption, with estimates suggesting the country imports an estimated $1.5 billion worth of dairy products annually. The new policy aims to bridge this gap by not only stimulating domestic production but also fostering an environment conducive to private sector involvement. This will encourage innovative and value-adding business activities within the Nigerian dairy sector.

In his remarks, Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness and Productivity Enhancement, emphasized that 

"transforming Nigeria's dairy sector is not just a necessity, but a collective responsibility". 

He stressed the importance of concerted efforts from the government, private sector, and all stakeholders to unlock the nutritional and investment potential within a sustainable dairy value chain.

Showcasing collaboration: ILRI at the World Milk Day Exhibition

 ILRI was invited by L-PRES to co-exhibit and celebrate with the government's World Milk Day festivities, solidifying a strong partnership focused on the betterment of Nigeria's livestock sector. ILRI is currently collaborating with the government on developing a comprehensive Livestock Master Plan (N-LMP) through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Project (L-PRES). This N-LMP will serve as a detailed policy document guiding sustainable investments across the entire livestock sector.

The 3-day World Milk Day Mega Celebration also featured an exhibition where organizations in the dairy sector showcased their work. The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) participated alongside the L-PRES team, who are collaborating with ILRI to develop the National Livestock Master Plan (N-LMP). The N-LMP is a comprehensive plan that will not only guide targeted investments in the livestock sector but also focus on improvements in breeding, animal health, and dairy processing. ILRI's presence at the exhibition served as a platform to showcase how the N-LMP, once finalized, will complement the National Dairy Policy by providing a more in-depth roadmap for achieving the policy's goals.

A cohesive strategy: N-LMP and National Dairy Policy align for stronger livestock sector 

Highlighting the synergy between the National Livestock Master Plan (N-LMP) and the newly unveiled National Dairy Policy, Tunde Amole, the ILRI Nigeria country representative, explained their interconnections. He revealed that 

‘the ongoing development of the dairy value chain under the N-LMP framework went through a review process informed by the current dairy policy’. Once the N-LMP is finalized, the new dairy policy will perfectly align with the N-LMP's investment roadmap for the dairy sector. This creates a powerful combination: a clear policy direction supported by a concrete investment plan. However, successful implementation requires strong financial and political commitment to drive the policy and the investment plan forward.'

Tunde emphasized the need for robust implementation along with public and private sector collaboration. This ensures that any investments in the dairy sector follow the N-LMP's investment plan and leverage the supportive policies outlined in the National Dairy Policy. 

"This collaborative approach will be critical for the success of investments in the sector", Amole concluded. 

The unveiling of the National Dairy Policy signifies the Nigerian government's dedication to transforming the livestock sector. This industry holds immense potential to contribute to the country's GDP. The upcoming N-LMP will provide a more robust framework for targeted investments, ensuring a brighter future for Nigerian livestock production, including the dairy industry, contributing to improved food security, increased economic opportunities, and ultimately, a more prosperous Nigeria.

Work on the N-LMP started in July, with the official inauguration in Abuja and other activities.

For more information on ILRI’s livestock master plan activities, visit