Milk continues to play a central role in agriculture and public health. Established by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in 200, it is observed globally every June 1st to recognise the value of milk as a global food and to highlight the role of the dairy sector in sustainable development, health, and nutrition.

This day offers an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the entire dairy value chain—from the farmers who produce milk to the processors, distributors, nutritionists, and consumers. It also helps raise conversations about dairy sustainability, climate-smart dairy farming, and challenges facing the sector in both developed and developing countries.

Why Milk Still Matters

In simple terms, milk is one of the most complete foods in nature. It is rich in essential nutrients like calcium, protein, vitamin D, B12, potassium, and phosphorus. Milk is not just a drink but a vital nutritional powerhouse, especially for children, pregnant women, and elderly people.

But beyond nutrition, milk plays a huge economic and cultural role in many societies, including Nigeria. It supports millions of livelihoods, contributes to food security, and plays a central role in school feeding programs and public health initiatives.

Milk And Nutrition: A Critical Gap In Nigeria

Despite its benefits, Nigeria has one of the world’s lowest per capita milk consumption rates. According to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), the average Nigerian consumes less than 10 litres of milk per year, far below the recommended 200 litres.

This nutritional gap affects child development and adult wellness, contributing to widespread malnutrition, stunted growth, and calcium deficiency. Increasing access to affordable and safe milk can drastically improve national health indicators.

The Dairy Value Chain In Nigeria

The journey from cow to cup involves several steps that make up the dairy value chain. It includes:

• Dairy Farmers: Mostly smallholder pastoralists in Northern Nigeria.
• Milk Collection Centres: Points where raw milk is pooled and tested.
• Processors: Convert milk into consumable products like yoghurt, cheese, butter, and powdered milk.
• Distributors and Retailers: Move dairy products to markets and supermarkets.
• Consumers: The end users who benefit from milk and milk-based products.

Sadly, this chain is weak in Nigeria. Over 60% of milk is still wasted or lost for several reasons. It is important for key stakeholders to make a move towards strengthening this chain to improve milk availability.

Common Challenges In Nigeria’s Milk Sector

Despite its potential, Nigeria’s dairy industry faces many issues:

• Poor access to cold storage and transport
• Low-yield indigenous breeds
• Lack of veterinary care
• High cost of imported dairy
• Poor hygiene in raw milk handling
• Limited access to financing for dairy farmers

Addressing these challenges will require policy support, innovation, and farmer education.

Steps to Improve Milk Production and Consumption

Several actions can help build a stronger milk ecosystem in Nigeria:

• Support Local Farmers: Provide access to training, better breeds, and health services for cows. 
• Improve Cold Chain Infrastructure: Invest in refrigeration and storage to reduce milk spoilage.
• Promote School Milk Programs: Introduce milk as part of daily nutrition in schools.
• Educate the Public: Run campaigns on the benefits of milk, especially in rural areas.
• Encourage Investment: Incentivise private companies to invest in dairy processing and packaging.

 The Role Of Dairy Farming In Agriculture

Dairy farming is a core part of livestock agriculture and contributes to rural development, employment, and gender empowerment. In Nigeria, most milk is produced by Fulani herders, who rely on cattle for milk, meat, and income.

 Investing in dairy farming can help:

• Reduce reliance on imported milk powder (currently over $1.3 billion is spent annually)
• Create jobs for youth and women
• Improve food security
• Encourage better animal care and productivity

Nigeria’s dairy sector can thrive with improved veterinary services, better breeds, and cold chain investment.

World Milk Day reminds us of the power of milk to nourish, sustain, and transform lives. Everyone has a role to play in unlocking Nigeria’s dairy potential. It’s a time to raise awareness about milk’s health benefits and encourage local milk consumption. It is also vital to recognise the work of dairy farmers and producers because the dairy industry creates a platform for public-private partnerships to invest in sustainable milk programs, especially in rural and peri-urban communities.

Let’s celebrate World Milk Day with a renewed commitment to building a healthier, stronger, and more milk-powered nation. Let’s celebrate the power of dairy.