***Urges strong institutions, innovation, and global integration
Nigeria’s livestock sector may be on the brink of transformation as Prof. Attahiru Jega, Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Development, has called for renewed commitment to institutional reform, private-sector partnership, and innovation in implementing the National Dairy Policy Implementation Framework.
Speaking at the National Dairy Policy Validation Workshop held at the Riez Continental Hotel, Abuja, Jega said the framework—anchored on 11 strategic pillars—is a bold step under President Bola Ahmed 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.
Represented by the Director, Dairy Research and Development Center, ATBU Bauchi and Member Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee, Prof Demo Kalla, he said,
“The dairy industry is not just about milk—it’s about livelihoods, nutrition, empowerment, and opportunity,” Jega said. “With effective implementation, this policy will empower our farmers, create decent jobs for youth and women, and reduce our dependence on imports.”
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. 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 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 innovation.
Jega also advocated for Nigeria’s membership in the International Dairy Federation (IDF) to enable knowledge exchange, benchmarking, and participation in global dairy trade and governance.
Concluding, he reaffirmed the commitment of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee to drive implementation of the framework and deliver on President Tinubu’s vision for food security, economic diversification, and shared prosperity.
“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.