• News
  • Business
  • Opportunities
  • Articles & Resources
  • Spotlight
  • Views
    • Interviews
    • Opinions
  • MSME Jobs
  • More
    • Africa
    • World
  • webmail
  • Terms of Use
MSME Africa
  • News
  • Business
  • Opportunities
  • Articles & Resources
  • Spotlight
  • Views
    • Interviews
    • Opinions
  • MSME Jobs
  • More
    • Africa
    • World
  • webmail
  • Terms of Use
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Business
  • Opportunities
  • Articles & Resources
  • Spotlight
  • Views
    • Interviews
    • Opinions
  • MSME Jobs
  • More
    • Africa
    • World
  • webmail
  • Terms of Use
No Result
View All Result
MSME Africa
No Result
View All Result

Nigeria Imports Dairy Cattle from Denmark to Boost Milk Production

Olusola Blessing by Olusola Blessing
June 3, 2025
in Agriculture&Agro-Allied, News
0
DMO Offers Two FGN Savings Bonds at N1,000/Unit for Subscription
Share

Nigeria has begun importing high-yield dairy cattle from Denmark in a major step towards strengthening local milk production and reducing the country’s reliance on dairy imports, according to the Minister of Livestock Development.

Despite owning over 20 million cattle—one of the highest numbers in Africa—Nigeria produces just 700,000 tonnes of milk annually. This falls far short of the 1.6 million tonnes required to meet national demand, forcing the country to spend about \$1.5 billion every year on dairy imports. This heavy import burden has long been a concern for policymakers, especially as the country works to improve food security and build a sustainable agricultural economy.

The Minister revealed that the government’s goal is to double domestic milk production to 1.4 million tonnes within the next five years. Achieving this, he said, will involve integrating imported, high-yield dairy breeds into Nigeria’s production system, which is currently dominated by low-yield indigenous cattle raised by nomadic and semi-nomadic pastoralists.

He explained that the imported dairy cattle—such as those from Denmark—are specifically bred for milk production and have the capacity to produce significantly more milk than local breeds. One Nigerian farm has already received over 200 dairy heifers from Denmark and is adopting intensive breeding practices, with the aim of multiplying its herd and setting a model for other farms across the country.

“This is part of a broader livestock reform strategy that emphasizes improved genetics, better feed systems, and structured breeding,” the Minister stated. He added that the reforms also focus on the gradual transformation of Nigeria’s cattle management culture, moving from traditional methods to more commercially viable models.

In a related development, eight new species of pasture have been registered in Nigeria—the first time in nearly fifty years. This milestone is expected to support improved animal nutrition and higher milk yields. The government also launched a national strategy for animal genetic resources, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), to help manage and improve local livestock breeds.

The Minister said the country’s existing livestock population, which includes 20.9 million cattle, 60 million sheep, and 1.4 million goats, provides a strong base for rapid growth, particularly if supported with the right investments in genetics, pasture development, veterinary care, and breeding infrastructure.

He stressed that the initiative is aligned with the federal government’s broader food security agenda, which includes reducing dependence on imported agricultural products, increasing local productivity, and ensuring that Nigerian farmers and agribusinesses can benefit from a growing domestic market.

While the importation of cattle may raise concerns about cost and sustainability, the Minister noted that the long-term goal is self-reliance. “We are not building dependency on imported animals. We are investing in local capacity, strengthening our systems, and using these breeds to spark the kind of productivity that our economy urgently needs,” he said.

As Nigeria moves to reposition its livestock industry, officials say success will depend not only on the import of high-yield breeds but also on farmer education, improved veterinary services, and supportive policy reforms to ensure long-term impact.

 

Post Views: 20
Share

Related Posts:

  • Africa must prepare for the inevitability of a global food crisis - Akinwumi Adesina
    Overcoming Binding Constraints to Competitive…
  • MSME Africa Unveils Top 50 Remarkable MSME Founders 2023, Awards them $25,000 in Media Credits
    MSME Africa Unveils Top 50 Remarkable MSME Founders…
  • images (46)
    FG, Nestlé Partner to Boost Milk Production and…
  • dairy milk
    Fan milk to partner Ogun government, Local Dairy…
  • Best Cities to live as an Entrepreneur in Nigeria
    Ultimate 2025 Guide to the Top Business Enabling…
  • Wheat Development Programme Yield Underscores the Role of Research and Trials  
    Wheat Development Programme Yield Underscores the…
Tags: Imports Dairy CattleLivestockMinister of Livestock Development
Previous Post

Standard Insurance Commits to Industrial Development , Donates N50m to NCRIB

Next Post

CBN Partners with Google to Launch Virtual Currency Museum

Next Post
CBN Partners with Google to Launch Virtual Currency Museum

CBN Partners with Google to Launch Virtual Currency Museum

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

No Result
View All Result
Join MSME on Whatsapp
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Enter your email to receive a weekly round-up of our best posts. Learn more!
icon
By subscribing, you agree with our privacy policy and our terms of service.

Recent Posts

  • Honda Initiative Empowers Women in Agriculture, Offers Hope for Nigeria’s Food Security Crisis
  • Senator Backs Women Entrepreneurs, Pushes Economic Reforms to Ease Hardship
  • NAFDAC Shuts Down Fake Rice Operations, Warns Against Substandard Food Ahead of Eid
  • Netflix Hikes Subscription Prices in Nigeria again, Premium Plan Now N8,500
  • Lagos Issues N250,000 Fine or Jail for Illegal Waste Dumping, Cracks Down on Environmental Offences

Recent Comments

  • 10 Reasons Why SMEs Should Invest in Video Marketing - MSME Africa on How to Create Viral Videos for Social Media in 2024
  • link alay4d on 5 Nigerian-based Companies Providing Accelerator Programs for Startups in 2024
  • Damilare Oladeji on Nigerian Government Agencies that Support Entrepreneurship in 2024
  • situs alay4d on 50 Best Tools to Boost Your Productivity as an Entrepreneur in 2025
  • Otabor Osayomore Blessing on Ultimate 2025 Guide to the Top Business Enabling Cities for Startup Founders and Entrepreneurs in Nigeria
  • About us
  • Advertise with Us
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • News
  • Newsletter
  • Submit News
  • Terms of Use

© 2023 MSME Africa - All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • About us
  • Advertise with Us
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • News
  • Newsletter
  • Submit News
  • Terms of Use

© 2023 MSME Africa - All rights reserved.