Nigeria is said to be currently importing milk and other dairy products worth US$ 1.3 billion because of the subsistence nature of the industry.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Muhammed Bello Umar, revealed this today Thursday at the ongoing 4th Global Fairy Congress Africa in Abuja, saying the Nigerian dairy industry is largely subsistence and consists of milk production, importation, processing, marketing and consumption.
Umar who was represented by the Director, Animal Husbandry Services, Dr Wategire Bright, said Nigerian cattle contribute a conservative estimate of 50,000 litres to daily supply and consumption of aggregated and bulked milk which is less than 20% of local potential.
According to him, Nigeria’s milk production accounts for only 13% of West African production and 0.01% of global Dairy output and that the country’s dairy requirement is largely met by 60% imports and 40% local production. Nigeria’s annual imports of milk and other dairy products is currently estimated at US$ 1.3 billion.
“Despite its huge cattle population, Nigeria’s milk production falls far short of its demand. With the majority of the national herd owned mostly by small holder and peri-urban cattle farmers. Thus there is a huge potential for a viable dairy industry built around these producers with an appropriate linkage to commercial dairy processors. We therefore wish to formally invite stakeholders to explore this enormous investment opportunity.
