How Nigerians shun fresh milk despite thriving cattle industry

Nigeria boasts an impressive 20 million-strong cattle population, making it one of the largest livestock markets in Africa. However, despite this abundance, many Nigerians have resorted to powdered milk. This paradox raises important questions about the country’s dairy industry, consumer preferences, and the implications for public health, the economy, and the environment.

Fresh milk, a vital source of calcium, protein, and vitamins A, B, and D, will remain a luxury that many Nigerians may never have the pleasure of tasting, as powdered milk replaces fresh milk in many homes.

Milk is known to be rich in vitamin B12, riboflavin (vitamin B2) and niacin (vitamin B3) which aid the conversion of food into energy. It is also known to be a good source of calcium (helps build bone and teeth health), vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium and reduces the risk of brittle bones, and protein, which helps build and repair tissues, and can enhance muscle recovery and performance after exercise

The preference for powdered milk in Nigeria dates back to the colonial era, when European companies introduced powdered milk as a convenient and shelf-stable alternative to fresh milk. This early exposure created a lasting impression on Nigerian consumers, who came to associate powdered milk with modernity and convenience.

One major reason Nigerians shy away from fresh milk is the lack of adequate infrastructure and logistics to support a vibrant dairy industry. Nigeria’s rural areas, where most cattle are raised, often lack refrigerated storage facilities, making it difficult to preserve fresh milk. Additionally, the country’s transportation network is underdeveloped, leading to high transportation costs and spoilage rates.

Nigerian consumers have a strong preference for powdered milk due to its perceived convenience, affordability, and longer shelf life. Many also believe that powdered milk is more hygienic and safer to consume than fresh milk, which may be perceived as raw and unprocessed.

Interestingly, the dominance of powdered milk in Nigeria has significant implications for public health, the economy and even the environment.

Powdered milk as we all know it often contains added sugars, preservatives, and other ingredients that can be detrimental to health if consumed excessively. Furthermore, the lack of fresh milk in the diet can lead to calcium deficiencies, particularly among children and adolescents.

The preference for powdered milk also has economic implications for Nigeria’s dairy industry. Local dairy farmers and processors are unable to compete with cheaper imported powdered milk, leading to a decline in domestic milk production and a significant trade deficit.

Also, the reliance on powdered milk contributes to environmental degradation, as the production process involves energy-intensive drying and packaging. Additionally, the transportation of powdered milk from abroad generates greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.

Speaking with Businessday, Allison Peters (True names withheld) a journalist said she does not take fresh milk because it is not readily available and even when it is, she does not trust the hygiene under which the beverage is processed.

“I think it is only the Fulani Women that prepare or have it for sale, and seeing them and the environments they seat to sell their drinks, one is forced to query the hygiene under which such is processed”, she stressed

Another woman, Amanda (Surname withheld) also said she does not take the beverage as she believes she is allergic to the drink. Anytime I take fresh milk, I get sick. The only milk I can take is the canned or powdered milk, which are readily available. I also take yoghurts

Amanda, mother to a 3-year-old, said,” I won’t even touch that drink with a long spoon, how much more, giving it to my child. I don’t know how they get it or how they prepare it, no I don’t and no I will not take it.”

For Joshua Tanko, a retiree. “I was born in the North and enjoy the refreshing drink. When I moved to Lagos in the 70s, I rarely saw fura da nono, but any time I return to the village I see it and I drink it, nothing beats fresh milk.

“We grew up with the Fulanis in our communities and so it was common to see them, hawking the drink in their calabashes, with their home prepared spicy fura and even the man shanu (Cow fat)”

To revitalize Nigeria’s dairy industry and promote fresh milk consumption, Nestle Nigeria in partnership with the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC-2SCALE) and CBI Innovations have invested a total sum of N1.8 billion to boost dairy development in Nigeria.

The investment is structured around three pillars, which includes better milk, better feed(fodder) and resilient communities is located at the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

Speaking at the Nestle Dairy Demonstration Farm launch in Abuja on Thursday, Wassim Elhusseini, MD/CEO of Nestle Nigeria PLC, said that in collaboration with two scale and CBI Innovations Limited and with the support of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, nestle in Nigeria, has invested over 1.8 billion to improve the livelihoods of pastoralists in and around the 5.4 grazing reserve.

He informed that at present, milk producers participating in their programme had experienced a substantial increase in their household income, which rose from 70,000 Naira to 260,000 Naira between 2021 and 2024.

“This growth is a result of increased productivity driven by improved daily practices and provision of the enabling infrastructure within the communities from an initial collection of 200 liters of milk on June 120, 21, we have increased our daily collection to an average of 6000 liters at the milk collection and cooling centre.”

He added that the project had aggregated over 1 million liters of raw milk, benefiting 3000 milk producers who are part of the 83 successful dairy cooperatives established under the NLDP.

“This increase in productivity is a direct result of training over 2000 pastoralists on the daily practices, vaccinating over 36,000 cattle, and constructing 19 boreholes and 28 water crops to ensure consistent access to water,” he said

He added that the productivity of local cattle from an average yield of one liter per cow per day to potentially over 10 liters through an effective breeding programme and adherence to best daily practices that ensure adequate herd health, nutrition and hydration, will showcase how settled cattle rearing methods can significantly increase production by providing a safe environment for the cattle and their owners, reducing the risks and potential conflicts associated with migration.

“Our goal is to achieve a critical mass of milk production of 30,000 liters per day by November 2027 across the FCP and its adjoining dairy farm cluster, thereby making a significant contribution to regional food security,” he added.

Declaring the farm open, Idi Muktar Maiha, minister of Livestock Development, said the event marks another definite milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards achieving food security, economic growth and sustainable livestock development and transformation.

“The establishment of this model dairy farm demonstrates unwavering commitment to backward integration, fostering local agriculture, supporting Nigerian farmers and contributing to sustainable development goals.

“The dairy sector holds immense potential in Nigeria as the federal government works tirelessly to diversify our economy, adding that Dairy farming presents a unique opportunity to empower our communities, especially women and youth, who are vital contributors to this sector.

“We recognise the critical role livestock production plays in creating jobs, generating income and improving the nutrition of our people.”

He added that the project will not only boost Nigeria’s economy, domestic dairy supply, but also reduce reliance on imports for Nigeria’s economy.

“I want to urge the management of Nestle and everybody who is associated with this project today to please turn the centre into a skill acquisition centre, a centre for capacity building in dairy management.

“We have a serious gap in terms of capacity when it comes to managing dairy farms as well as feedlots; this centre will invariably partner with us in the hope of developing a practical, oriented, hands-on experience for training our desired manpower, for our dairy farmers,” the minister added

He urged the management of the model farm to partner the ministry to develop a curriculum and establish a working relationship so the farm can be turned into a training institute.

Interestingly, with Nigeria now boasting a federal ministry of Livestock Development, rather than just eyeing the export market, it is important that the concept of Fresh milk be returned with a national brand to allow Nigerians enjoy the wholesome rich beverage in its natural state.