The Federal Government has intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s dairy industry by training 100 small-scale dairy farmers in Oyo State as part of a broader strategy aimed at improving local milk production, modernising livestock practices, and reducing dependence on imported dairy products.
The training programme, organised by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in Ibadan, focused on equipping dairy farmers with practical knowledge on improved animal husbandry, milk handling, feed management, and sustainable dairy production techniques.
According to the ministry, the initiative forms part of ongoing reforms targeted at transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector into a more productive and commercially viable industry capable of supporting food security, rural employment, and economic diversification.
Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest consumers of dairy products, yet local milk production continues to fall far below national demand. As a result, the country spends billions of naira annually importing powdered milk and other dairy products from foreign markets.
Agriculture experts have repeatedly argued that Nigeria possesses the population size, grazing potential, and market demand needed to develop a strong local dairy economy, but challenges such as poor infrastructure, low productivity, inadequate animal healthcare, and outdated farming practices have slowed growth within the sector.
Speaking during the programme, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Ajimobi, described grassroots farmer empowerment as essential to achieving long-term transformation in Nigeria’s dairy industry.
According to him, improving productivity among small-scale dairy farmers is critical to building a sustainable dairy value chain capable of supporting both local consumption and wider economic growth.
He explained that the Federal Government intends to unlock the economic potential of the livestock industry through targeted interventions, strategic partnerships, and practical training programmes designed to modernise production systems across the country.
The Oyo State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Florence Kalulu, also described smallholder dairy farmers as the backbone of Nigeria’s local milk production ecosystem.
She noted that despite their importance to rural communities and food supply systems, many dairy farmers still face major challenges including low productivity levels, poor hygiene standards, limited access to modern technology, and inadequate veterinary support.
According to Kalulu, addressing these structural weaknesses is necessary not only for improving milk quality and safety but also for increasing profitability and competitiveness within the sector.
The training programme reportedly covered several critical areas including pasture development, feed conservation, breed improvement, feeding practices for milking cows, herd health management, and milk collection techniques.
Participants were also exposed to practical demonstrations and interactive sessions designed to improve their understanding of modern dairy operations and sustainable farming methods.
Industry analysts say such interventions could become increasingly important as Nigeria seeks to reduce pressure on foreign exchange caused by heavy food and dairy importation.
The dairy industry has long been identified as one of the sectors with strong untapped economic potential, particularly because of its ability to create jobs across farming, processing, transportation, and retail distribution chains.
Experts believe that stronger investment in local dairy production could also help stabilise food prices, improve nutrition, and strengthen rural economies.
Interestingly, the initiative aligns with the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, a federal policy framework aimed at increasing livestock productivity, enhancing farmers’ livelihoods, reducing import dependence, and improving food security nationwide.
The government’s renewed focus on livestock development also comes amid broader efforts to reposition agriculture as a key driver of Nigeria’s non-oil economy.
Over the years, stakeholders have repeatedly called for greater attention to dairy farming, arguing that Nigeria’s milk deficit represents both an economic challenge and a major business opportunity.
Women groups and agricultural associations have equally continued advocating stronger inclusion of women and young people in dairy production.
During the programme, the President of the Women in Dairy Production Association, Racheal Eyitayo-Ariori, commended the government’s renewed commitment to the sector while urging authorities to expand support systems for female dairy farmers.
She noted that supporting small-scale dairy farmers can generate significant economic benefits through increased production, improved rural income, and stronger agricultural participation.
One of the beneficiaries, Moyosore Olatunde, also called for greater youth involvement in dairy farming, stressing that innovation and modern agricultural techniques could help reposition the industry for future growth.
Analysts say attracting younger farmers into livestock production may become increasingly important as Nigeria faces rising unemployment and growing pressure to expand domestic food production capacity.
The ministry has indicated that similar training interventions may soon be extended to other states as part of nationwide efforts to modernise Nigeria’s livestock sector.
For many observers, the Oyo training programme reflects a broader shift toward practical agricultural development policies focused not only on production but also on sustainability, economic inclusion, and long-term food security.
If sustained consistently, experts believe such initiatives could gradually reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported dairy products while building a stronger and more competitive local dairy industry.