The Presidency, has reaffirmed its commitment to the National Dairy Policy Implementation Framework in order to deliver on the vision of the present administration for food security, economic diversification, and shared prosperity.
Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Development, Prof. Attahiru Jega, who spoke at the National Dairy Policy Validation Workshop in Abuja, said the dairy industry is not just about milk, but also about livelihoods, nutrition, empowerment, and opportunities.
“With effective implementation, this policy will empower our farmers, create decent jobs for youth and women, and reduce our dependence on imports.
“This policy is about people — about jobs, nutrition, and dignity. Together, we can build a dairy industry that feeds the nation and sustains the Renewed Hope of every Nigerian,” he said.
Jega, who was represented by the Director, Dairy Research and Development Centre, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU Bauchi and Member, Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee, Prof. Demo Kalla, said the policy framework, which is anchored on 11 strategic pillars, is a bold step under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to modernize the livestock sector and build a dairy economy that creates jobs, feeds the nation, and drives inclusive growth.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and other stakeholders, for championing the process of refining and validating the framework, describing it as “a decisive step toward a sustainable and inclusive dairy economy.”
At the heart of the policy, Jega noted, is institutional strengthening—a gap Nigeria has struggled with for decades, disclosing that the framework proposes the creation of a National Dairy Development and Milk Marketing Board to coordinate the value chain, and a National Dairy Development Fund, NDDF to provide creative and sustainable financing for the sector.
“These twin institutions will anchor coherence, accountability, and innovation in Nigeria’s dairy transformation journey,” he said.
Jega urged the government to focus on policy leadership while allowing the private sector to drive growth, innovation, and investment.
Drawing lessons from India, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Ethiopia, he said Nigeria must adapt global best practices through cooperative development and strategic government support.
He emphasized data-driven decision-making, import substitution, and strong quality assurance systems to eliminate substandard imports, strengthen local value chains, and ensure consumer safety.
“We must promote backward integration and empower our farmers, processors, and researchers to lead Nigeria’s drive toward self-sufficiency,” he said, aligning the call with Executive Order No. 5 on Local Content and Innovations.