Nigeria Falls Short on Livestock Production to Meet Nutritional Needs, Says Minister

Table of Contents

1. Nigeria's Milk Production
2. Per Capita Consumption
3. Livestock Productivity Gap
4. Importance of Livestock Value Chains
5. National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy
6. Call to Action

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has stated that Nigeria currently produces approximately 0.7 billion liters of milk each year, significantly below the amount needed to fulfill the nutritional requirements of the population.

He explained, “Our average per capita consumption stands at 8.7 liters of milk annually, which is not only considerably less than the global average but also alarmingly lower than the World Health Organization’s recommended intake of 210 liters per person each year.”

During the Arewa Consultative Forum's silver jubilee celebrations in Kaduna on Thursday, the minister underscored the productivity gap at the farm level.

“The average milk yield from our indigenous cows ranges from only 0.5 to 1.5 liters per day, in comparison to the global average of 6.6 liters. Additionally, the country spends over $1.5 billion each year importing milk and dairy products, despite having millions of cattle and capable producers. This is a contradiction that we must address,” he stated.

Maiha highlighted the vital importance of livestock value chains in Nigeria, pointing out that livestock not only provide food and nutrition but also function as banks, insurance, and a source of livelihood for many people in the northern region and throughout the country.

He noted, “Men typically raise cattle, while women manage poultry and small ruminants. The percentages of livestock ownership among households in Nigeria are as follows: poultry-98%, goats-86%, sheep-46%, cattle-33%, and pigs-7.3%.”

According to the minister, the Federal Government has approved the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NLGAS), a five-year initiative (2025–2030) aimed at transforming the livestock sector from a $32 billion to a $74 billion economy. He emphasized that the NLGAS, which consists of ten pillars, envisions growth through enhanced productivity per animal and increased population numbers. He then urged all states to adopt the NLGAS for the swift transformation of Nigeria’s livestock sector.

He further stated, “Today, as we commence this celebration, let us reaffirm our commitment to invest in the livestock sector, support our farmers, and innovate for sustainability. Let this day serve as a platform to raise awareness, particularly among our youth, about the significance of healthy nutrition. Let it also remind us that behind every gram of protein is a network of diligent farmers, dedicated professionals, and robust systems that warrant our respect and support.”