• Friday, April 26, 2024
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Nigeria spends over $1.3b annually on milk import

Milk

The Federal Government on Thursday said that the country still spends over $1.3 billion annually on importation of diary products like milk, yogurt and cheese.

Bello Umar, Permanent secretary, ministry of Agriculture and Rural development said Nigeria still produces a paltry 50, 000 litres daily for consumption, supply and lesser than 20 percent of local potential.

Umar speaking at the 4th Global Dairy Congress Africa, titled ‘Accelerating Investment and Cooperation of Dairy in Africa’, in Abuja stressed that the country produces only 13percent in West Africa and 0.01percent of global dairy.

Represented by the Director, Department of Animal Husbandry Services, Bright Wategire, he said “Despite its huge cattle population, Nigeria’s milk production falls short of its demand. And the annual import of milk and other dairy products is currently estimated at $1.3 billion with the majority of the national herds owned mostly by small holder and peri urban cattle farmers”.

“Access to inputs and cows of proven genetic quality also constitutes a major constraint due to rudimentary status of the Nigeria dairy value chain and may constitute a potential area of veritable investments for discerning stakeholders.”

To tackle some of the snags, Umar, disclosed that government has commenced the development of a national dairy policy that will articulate a clear road map “for our development aspirations and strategies involving broad spectrum stakeholders and multinationals”

Ben Managing Director, FC WAMCO, producers of Peak Milk, in his remark advised that the inclusiveness of access roads construction, provision of clean water, electricity and stamping out of insecurity in the proposed policy plan, would attract investors to broaden the sector.

He said, “The main problem is infrastructure. You cannot do anything without access roads, electricity, water and security. Once you have all these in place the private sector will be able to play. We have the ideas and experience on how to do it. The industry should not be killed with lots of taxes.

“We are ready to partner with government to expand dairy development. Our projects is to mobilise pastoralist communities because that is what makes bulk of the cows where productivity lies; And to introduce the smallholder model of getting farmers who will produce milk from their locations.”

 

Cynthia Egboboh, Abuja