Tinubu Voices Concern Over Nigeria's $1.5 Billion Expenditure on Dairy Imports

President Bola Tinubu expressed concern about the longstanding neglect of Nigeria's livestock sector, which has driven up import costs, with milk and dairy products accounting for between $1.2-$1.5 billion.

However, the President also highlighted growing interest from foreign investors eager to capitalize on Nigeria's vast potential in the livestock industry. Speaking at the Stakeholders Consultative Workshop on Livestock Reforms at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu noted that a thriving livestock sector could significantly contribute to Nigeria's GDP and create valuable jobs.

He promised that his administration would foster a business-friendly environment for growth.“It’s a pleasure to be here at this workshop, focused on such a critical area of our nation’s progress.The livestock sector is essential to Nigeria, and we’ll provide everything necessary to add value to our country. Stakeholders, I assure you, the collaboration and investment in this sector will yield lasting benefits.”

He added, “It’s high time we got this right. In a country of over 220 million, we should be able to provide every child with a pint of milk daily. Previously, we overlooked these investment opportunities, but now we see them, and together, we must work toward realizing this vision.”

"Our mission is clear: we intend to transform the livestock sector from its current subsistence model into a vibrant, commercialized industry that significantly boosts Nigeria's GDP and provides decent jobs and sustainable livelihoods for our growing population."The potential is enormous. With 563 million chickens, 58 million cattle, 124 million goats, 60 million sheep, and 16 million pigs, Nigeria leads in livestock production across West Africa. Yet, despite these resources, we face serious challenges.

"Our annual production of animal-source foods—0.7 billion liters of milk, 1.48 million tonnes of meat, and 0.69 million metric tonnes of eggs—falls well below our needs. Our per capita consumption rates—8.7 liters of milk, 9 kg of meat, and 45 eggs per year—are far lower than global averages of 44 liters of milk, 19 kg of meat, and 160-180 eggs annually."

"Of particular concern is the low milk yield from cow breeds managed by our pastoralists, averaging just 0.5 to 1.5 liters per day compared to the global average of 6.6 liters. We can achieve much more."Neglecting the livestock sector has had serious financial consequences, with milk and dairy imports costing the country between $1.2 and $1.5 billion annually."

he Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, expressed gratitude to the President for his "bold action, exemplary leadership, and unmatched commitment to livestock reform."

Kyari pledged to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Livestock Development to fulfill the President’s vision of diversifying the economy and empowering more Nigerians.

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