The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with private sector partners to improve dairy genetics, increase domestic milk production and accelerate the transformation of the country’s livestock sector.
The assurance was given by the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, during a meeting with the management of Integrated Dairies Limited (IDL), one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous dairy companies.
🥛 Focus on Dairy Breed Improvement
Integrated Dairies Limited presented its expansion plans and requested additional land to support the development of its dairy operations.
The company highlighted its contributions across the dairy value chain, including:
- 🌱 Fodder production
- 🥛 Milk collection and aggregation
- 🏭 Dairy processing
- 👨🌾 Farmer support programmes
- 🩺 Animal health services
- 🐄 Dairy breed improvement through national and international collaborations
IDL reported significant progress in developing high-performing F1 dairy breeds, delivering improved milk yields, higher conception rates and better overall productivity.
🧬 Expanding Modern Breeding Technologies
The meeting reviewed strategies to strengthen advanced breeding programmes, including:
- 🧬 Artificial Insemination (AI)
- 🔬 Embryo Transfer (ET)
- 📈 Genetic dissemination programmes
- 🏢 Establishment of world-class breeding and research centres
The proposed expansion is expected to accelerate the multiplication of improved dairy breeds, create employment opportunities, strengthen technical expertise and enhance the livelihoods of pastoral communities.
🤝 Government Backs Public-Private Collaboration
Minister Maiha commended Integrated Dairies Limited for its long-standing investment in Nigeria’s dairy sector, recognising the company’s work in livestock genetics, milk aggregation and community development.
He emphasised that improved breeding systems remain a key pillar of Nigeria’s livestock transformation agenda and highlighted initiatives such as the Wase Grazing Reserve as strategic platforms for expanding dairy production while promoting peaceful coexistence between pastoralists and farming communities.
🌍 Driving Sustainable Dairy Growth
The Federal Government also called for practical models that improve farmers’ access to quality genetics, feed resources, animal healthcare and modern breeding technologies.
The Ministry pledged to explore further collaboration with Integrated Dairies Limited to support its expansion plans and strengthen Nigeria’s long-term dairy development strategy.
