The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender-responsive dairy policies and interventions aimed at expanding opportunities for women and youth while accelerating the transformation of Nigeria’s dairy industry.
The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made this known during the 2026 World Milk Day Press Briefing held after a road walk in Abuja on Saturday, May 30th 2026.
Represented by his Senior Special Assistant Professor Eustace Iyayi, the Minister stated that the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda has laid the foundation for one of the most coordinated livestock and dairy transformation efforts in Nigeria’s recent history.
Maiha explained that a key milestone in the transformation agenda was the validation of the National Dairy Policy Implementation Framework following a stakeholders’ engagement convened by the Ministry in November 2025. He disclosed that the Framework, scheduled for official unveiling on June 1st 2026, provides a clear roadmap for translating Nigeria’s dairy policy objectives into measurable outcomes.
According to the Minister, under the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), is intensifying investments in feed and fodder development, animal health services, genetic improvement, dairy hubs, milk aggregation centres, cold chain infrastructure and climate-smart livestock systems to drive dairy industrialisation and boost local milk production.
He further announced plans for the proposed Women and Youth in Livestock Empowerment Initiative, a strategic programme aimed at creating economic opportunities for 37,000 women and young people across livestock value chains, particularly in dairy production, processing, marketing, and agribusiness.
“As we celebrate women dairy farmers this year, we recognise their critical role in strengthening household nutrition, supporting rural livelihoods, and driving agricultural growth. Our goal is to build an inclusive dairy industry that empowers women and youth while contributing to national food security and economic development,” the Minister stated.
Maiha added that the initiative currently undergoing final stakeholder consultations and programme design, is expected to equip beneficiaries with skills development, enterprise support, access to finance, technology transfer, cooperative strengthening, and market integration opportunities.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, represented by the Director of Ruminant and Monogastric Development, Mr. Victor Egbon, said the World Milk Day road walk reflected the collective commitment of stakeholders to improved nutrition, healthier lifestyles, sustainable livestock development, and the growth of Nigeria’s dairy industry.
She described this year’s theme, “Celebrating Women Farmers,” as a fitting recognition of the vital contributions of women to dairy production, household nutrition, food security, and rural economic transformation.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Danish Embassy, and the Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN), all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s dairy sector through strategic partnerships and investments.
The event attracted key stakeholders from across the dairy value chain, including development partners, industry operators, researchers, policymakers, and private sector investors committed to advancing dairy development and enhancing milk production in Nigeria.
