FG, stakeholders prioritise consumption of real milk for healthier families

…as ‘Choose Milk campaign’ kickstarts nationwide

Senior government officials, nutrition experts, and industry stakeholders have unveiled a three-year ‘Choose Milk Campaign’ in Nigeria, a national initiative aimed at strengthening consumer education and awareness on the nutritional benefits of milk and the differences between real milk and creamers.

The campaign unveiled in Lagos recently will also help Nigerian households make informed dairy choices, as nutrition remains one of the most important public health priorities for any nation seeking sustainable growth and development.

The campaign launch was led by stakeholders from the Danish Dairy Board and the European Union, alongside senior representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Livestock Development.

The event also brought together key institutions, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), leading nutritionists, key sector organisations, healthcare experts, development stakeholders, and prominent media and influencers.

At the unveiling, Lars Jensen, Senior Project Manager from the Danish Dairy Board, noted that the initiative seeks to address widespread misconceptions about dairy consumption while drawing a clear distinction between dairy milk and creamers commonly found in the Nigerian market.

“Not all products marketed within the dairy category deliver the same nutritional value,” he said. “It is important for consumers to understand that creamers do not offer the key nutrients found in dairy milk. This campaign is about clarity, transparency, and better health outcomes. We are taking this message directly to communities, schools and nutrition advocates because education at the grassroots level is key to driving lasting behavioural change.”

In her opening remarks, Jette Bjerrum, Danish Consul General to Nigeria, emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving nutrition awareness and improving health outcomes.

She noted that sustainable progress in nutrition education and dairy development can only be achieved through partnerships among governments, healthcare institutions, development organisations, and responsible industry stakeholders.

Echoing this call for collaboration and shared responsibility in improving nutrition outcomes, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, in a video message played during the event, commended the initiative and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to improving nutrition and strengthening the dairy sector in Nigeria.

“This ‘Choose Milk’ campaign strongly aligns with the Ministry’s objectives to improve national nutrition, promote sustainable dairy consumption, and strengthen the local dairy value chain,” he said. “By encouraging Nigerians to prioritise dairy milk, we are taking a significant step towards building a healthier and more food-secure nation.”

In her remarks, Olufowolabi-Yusuf Adeola, Director of Food and Drugs Services of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, described the campaign as timely, which aligned with the Federal Government’s broader efforts to tackle malnutrition and improve nutrition outcomes across the country.

Chioma Uzodinma, wife of Imo State governor, who was represented by Ebere Udenze, said nutrition must not be viewed as a secondary option, as nutrition assists in child development.