The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has partnered with the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) to advance local dairy production and reduce Nigeria’s annual milk import bill of over $1.5 billion. The collaboration is a key step under the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), the government’s flagship initiative to revamp the livestock sector and stimulate agricultural investment.
The agreement was discussed during a high-level meeting held on August 1, 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, welcomed NNDC’s commitment to livestock development, describing it as a timely intervention to unlock value across the dairy chain.
According to the Minister, Nigeria’s continued reliance on dairy imports is a result of underinvestment in key areas such as animal genetics, feeding systems, cold-chain logistics, and structured market access. “We’ve lacked the kind of investors who understand the dynamics of livestock production,” he said, stressing that real progress requires coordinated investment and credible partnerships.
He noted that the Ministry has outlined several priority sectors ranging from genetics to extension services that present viable opportunities for investment. “This collaboration with NNDC speaks directly to our mandate. It has the potential to transform dormant livestock sub-sectors into active contributors to national development,” Maiha said.
The National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, he added, is more than a policy document—it is a roadmap requiring investment, implementation, and strong stakeholder engagement. He also highlighted the importance of commercially oriented livestock clusters that integrate pastoralists, herders, and processors to ensure inclusive growth.
Maiha affirmed that supporting smallholder farmers with modern infrastructure and financing will not only reduce import dependence but also improve rural livelihoods, create jobs, and boost food security.
NNDC’s Group Managing Director, Shehu Mai-Borno, stated that the company is realigning its investment portfolio to focus on sectors that offer high returns and socio-economic impact. Livestock development, he said, now sits at the heart of NNDC’s new strategy.
“Our plan is to establish integrated dairy hubs that empower smallholder farmers, improve local milk production, and generate employment across the northern region,” he said. He assured the Ministry of NNDC’s full commitment to supporting the national dairy agenda.
Originally founded in 1949, NNDC has a long history of promoting development across Nigeria’s 19 northern states. With this new partnership, the company is positioning itself as a key private-sector driver in Nigeria’s livestock transformation journey.
The partnership is expected to unlock new investment pipelines into the dairy industry, improve Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in milk production, and help deliver economic benefits to farming communities across the country.
