The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has partnered with the European Union (EU) Dairy Coalition to modernise Nigeria’s dairy industry.

During a high-level meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, 10th March 2026, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, met with representatives from global dairy giants Arla Foods, Danone, and FrieslandCampina. 

The Minister described the coalition as a partnership of “willing and capable” entities, noting that their combined four centuries of expertise will offer a unique opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its local industry and significantly reduce its reliance on imported milk.

Central to this collaboration is the urgent need to improve livestock genetics, which the Minister identified as the most critical factor for increasing dairy productivity. 

He argued that meaningful results in livestock transformation are impossible without enhancing the biological output of the animals. 

Consequently, the Ministry has proposed the establishment of a specialized breeding centre as an immediate priority. 

This facility is intended to serve as a hub for improving dairy genetics, which will lead to higher milk yields and more resilient herds across the country.

Sanne Simmers, Coordinator of the EU Dairy Coalition, confirmed the group’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s dairy productivity through technical collaboration and private sector investment. 

The partnership is to combine global best practices with Nigeria’s vast market potential to create a sustainable and self-sufficient dairy ecosystem.

Source: FMLD