The Federal Government has began importation of dairy cattle from Denmark as part of a broader strategy to increase domestic milk production and reduce reliance on costly imports.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, stated this at a press conference in Abuja on Monday.
He said despite having one of the largest cattle populations in Africa, Nigeria produces only 700,000 tonnes of milk annually—less than half the national consumption of 1.6 million tonnes. The gap has led to the country spending around $1.5 billion each year on dairy imports.
“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 noted that the country’s cattle population, which exceeds 20 million, is made up primarily of low-yield breeds managed by pastoralists. In contrast, imported high-yield dairy cattle, such as those from Denmark, are expected to improve milk output significantly when integrated into local production systems.
According to Maiha, one Nigerian farm has already received over 200 heifers from Denmark and is using intensive breeding methods to expand its herd. This approach, he said, is part of a wider reform aimed at boosting productivity in the livestock sector.
He also announced that eight new pasture species had been registered—the first time in nearly five decades—and that Nigeria had launched a national strategy for animal genetic resources with backing from the Food and Agriculture Organisation.
“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,” Maiha said.
The move to improve local milk production comes amid renewed government efforts to strengthen food security and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on agricultural imports.
