The Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN) has expressed concern over the growing circulation of low-cost milk substitutes and creamers being marketed as dairy products, warning that the trend is misleading consumers and denying them the complete nutritional benefits associated with genuine milk.
Speaking at the 2026 World Milk Day Conference held in Abuja, the National President of CODARAN Muhammadu Damakka Abubakar, urged Nigerians to pay closer attention to product labels and make informed decisions when purchasing dairy products.
According to him, although creamers and milk substitutes may have their uses in cooking and beverage preparation, they do not provide the same nutritional value as fresh milk and products derived from fresh milk.
Abubakar explained that authentic dairy products are rich sources of essential nutrients such as high-quality protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals required for healthy growth and development. He cautioned that consumers who unknowingly replace real milk with substitutes may miss out on these important nutrients.
He stressed the need for increased public awareness and proper product identification to enable consumers distinguish between genuine dairy products and non-dairy alternatives. He also called on manufacturers and marketers to ensure clear and accurate labelling in order to prevent misinformation and protect consumers.
The CODARAN president further reiterated the association’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s dairy industry and supporting efforts aimed at improving local milk production, enhancing food security and reducing dependence on imported dairy products.
The remarks were made during activities marking the 2026 World Milk Day Conference, where stakeholders in the dairy value chain highlighted the importance of milk consumption, nutrition and sustainable development of the livestock sector.
World Milk Day, celebrated annually on June 1, was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to recognize the importance of milk as a global food and to draw attention to the contributions of the dairy sector to nutrition, livelihoods and economic development.
