FMLD, NNDC Aim to Slash Nigeria’s $1.5 Billion Milk Import Bill
Nigeria’s livestock sector is on the cusp of a strategic shift as the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development partners with the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) to reduce the country’s over $1.5 billion annual expenditure on milk imports, unlock investment opportunities in the dairy value chain, and position livestock as a key driver of national economic growth. This development was the outcome of a high-level engagement held on Friday, 1st August, 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, where both institutions discussed a framework for joint action under the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS). Speaking at the meeting, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, commended the NNDC for its forward-looking approach to the livestock sector. He noted that a potential collaboration could be a game-changer for the dairy value chain, as the Ministry is committed to developing sustainable clusters supported by strong technical expertise, modern infrastructure, and inclusive opportunities for both pastoralists and commercial producers. Maiha pointed that the Ministry had identified key priority areas requiring investment, including genetics improvement, cold-chain logistics, extension services, and structured market systems. “Your proposal resonates strongly with our mandate. We welcome NNDC’s interest in catalysing change within the livestock sector. This collaboration has the potential to unlock dormant value chains, especially in dairy, and help us meet our national targets.” “The truth is, we are where we are because we’ve lacked the right investors; those who truly understand the dynamics of livestock production and can fill critical gaps in genetics, feeding systems, infrastructure, and market access,” the Minister said. He further emphasised that the success of the NL-GAS rests heavily on stakeholder coordination, co-investment, and the establishment of commercially oriented livestock clusters that are inclusive of smallholder farmers, herders, and processors. The Ministry, Maiha added, remains committed to facilitating private sector-led growth in the livestock sector while ensuring that national food security, rural livelihoods, and economic development remain at the heart of all interventions. “The National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy is our roadmap, but we need credible partners like NNDC to give it flesh. It’s not just about policy; it’s about implementation through viable investments.” “If we commercialise every stage of the dairy value chain and support smallholders with scalable infrastructure, we can not only reduce imports but turn livestock into a powerful economic engine for Nigeria,” the Minister stated. Earlier, the Group Managing Director of NNDC, Shehu Mai-Borno, who led the delegation, expressed optimism about the initiative, stressing the company’s readiness to provide capital, expertise, and infrastructure. “We intend to establish integrated dairy hubs that empower smallholder farmers, create jobs, and increase local milk supply, especially across northern Nigeria,” he said. He further noted that NNDC is repositioning its investment strategy to focus on sectors with high potential for impact, with livestock ranking among the top. The New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) was established in 1949 as the Northern Regional Production Development Board and later restructured in 1956 as the Northern Regional Development Corporation. In 1965, it was incorporated as a private limited liability company and renamed NNDC in 1976 following the creation of states from the former Northern Region. Its founding objective has remained focused on promoting economic development across the 19 northern states of Nigeria. At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed to immediately set up a joint task team to develop an implementation blueprint that will align with the Ministry’s broader livestock transformation agenda. Ben. Bem Goong Director, Press and Public Relations Department 1st August, 2025
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