Women dairy farmers key to food security, livestock growth – FG

File Photo: The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women in the dairy sector, describing them as critical drivers of food security, household nutrition, rural livelihoods, and the growth of Nigeria’s dairy economy. Speaking at a press briefing to mark the commencement of activities for the 2026 World Milk Day celebration on Saturday in Abuja, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, said women remained central to milk production, preservation, storage, processing, and marketing across the country. Maiha noted that the ministry had earlier conducted a symbolic road walk in Abuja to create awareness on the importance of milk in nutrition, the role of women in the dairy industry, and opportunities within Nigeria’s dairy value chain. He said, “This year’s World Milk Day celebration is particularly significant as it highlights the theme of celebrating women dairy farmers and their invaluable contributions to food security, household nutrition, rural livelihoods, and the growth of the dairy economy. Across Nigeria, women remain central to milk production, preservation, storage, processing, and marketing.” According to him, “The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development recognizes that no meaningful transformation of the dairy sector can occur without the inclusion and empowerment of women.” He added that the ministry was committed to promoting gender-responsive dairy policies and interventions through the strengthening of dairy cooperatives, skills development, milk aggregation systems, value addition, and enterprise support initiatives. The minister disclosed that Nigeria’s annual milk demand stands at about 1.7 million metric tonnes, while local production currently ranges between 600,000 and 700,000 metric tonnes, resulting in significant import dependence. “Our national annual milk demand is estimated at 1.7 million metric tonnes, while local production currently ranges between 600,000 and 700,000 metric tonnes annually. This gap continues to drive significant import dependence and foreign exchange expenditure estimated at over US$1.5 billion annually on dairy imports,” he said. Maiha, however, said efforts under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development had begun to change the trajectory of the dairy sector. “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and through the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024, Nigeria has begun implement