FG Vows To Revamp Dairy Sector For Food Security, Job Creation – Jega

THE Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to modernising Nigeria’s dairy industry as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen food security and economic growth.

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Livestock Development, Prof. Attahiru Jega, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja during the National Dairy Policy Implementation Framework Validation Workshop, organised by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and development partners.

Represented by Prof. Demo Kalla, Director of the Dairy Research and Development Centre, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Jega said the dairy policy is built around 11 strategic pillars designed to transform the livestock value chain into a key driver of national development.

He noted that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable food systems.

“The dairy industry is not just about milk; it is about livelihoods, nutrition, empowerment, and opportunity,” Jega said.

He commended stakeholders for their collaboration in refining the framework, describing it as crucial to building an inclusive and competitive dairy economy.

According to him, institutional reforms are central to achieving the policy goals, including the establishment of a National Dairy Development and Milk Marketing Board to coordinate industry growth.

Jega emphasised the need for public-private partnerships, where government provides the enabling environment while private investors drive innovation and expansion. He also urged the adoption of data-driven policies, import substitution, and local value addition to strengthen Nigeria’s dairy ecosystem.

He cited India, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia as models of successful dairy transformation, achieved through clear institutional structures and strong quality control systems.

“A robust market surveillance and quality assurance framework is essential to curb substandard imports and protect local producers,” he said.

Jega further called for closer collaboration between universities, research institutions, and the private sector to promote innovation, technology transfer, and capacity development.

He also encouraged Nigeria’s membership in the International Dairy Federation to enhance global competitiveness.

Concluding, Jega reaffirmed the government’s determination to implement the dairy policy effectively, ensuring it delivers on President Tinubu’s vision of a modern, inclusive, and self-sufficient livestock economy.