Nigeria’s livestock sector may soon experience a major shift as the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development partners with the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) to reduce the country’s over $1.5 billion annual milk import bill. This move is part of a broader plan to stimulate local production, increase agricultural investment, and drive national economic growth through the dairy value chain.
The development emerged during a high-level meeting held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. The session focused on aligning both institutions under the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), a government initiative aimed at transforming the livestock industry.
Speaking at the meeting, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, praised NNDC for its proactive interest in livestock development. He described the initiative as timely and necessary for changing the structure of the dairy value chain in Nigeria.
“The truth is, we are where we are because we’ve lacked the right investors; those who truly understand the dynamics of livestock production and can fill critical gaps in genetics, feeding systems, infrastructure, and market access,” Maiha said.
The Minister added that the Ministry has identified several priority areas needing investment, including genetics improvement, cold-chain logistics, extension services, and structured market systems. These sectors present opportunities for agricultural investors and stakeholders in the livestock business.
“Your proposal resonates strongly with our mandate. We welcome NNDC’s interest in catalysing change within the livestock sector. This collaboration has the potential to unlock dormant value chains, especially in dairy, and help us meet our national targets,” he said.
He further explained that the success of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy depends on partnerships, co-investment, and strong coordination between stakeholders. He also noted that commercially oriented livestock clusters, which include pastoralists, herders, and processors, are vital for the strategy to work.
“The National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy is our roadmap, but we need credible partners like NNDC to give it flesh. It’s not just about policy; it’s about implementation through viable investments,” the Minister added.
He stated that Nigeria can reduce milk imports and generate jobs if smallholder farmers are supported with modern infrastructure and inclusive financing systems. According to him, commercialising the dairy value chain will not only help achieve food security goals but will also position livestock as a critical contributor to economic development.
On his part, the Group Managing Director of NNDC, Shehu Mai-Borno, said the company is ready to invest in the dairy sector and contribute to national development through the livestock industry.
“We intend to establish integrated dairy hubs that empower smallholder farmers, create jobs, and increase local milk supply, especially across northern Nigeria,” Mai-Borno stated.
He emphasised that NNDC is adjusting its investment strategy to focus on sectors with strong potential for high returns and socio-economic impact, adding that livestock development is now one of the company’s top priorities.
The New Nigeria Development Company was originally created in 1949 as the Northern Regional Production Development Board. It evolved into the Northern Regional Development Corporation in 1956 and was later incorporated as a private company in 1965. Following the creation of states in 1976, it was renamed the NNDC, with a long-standing mission to support economic development across the 19 northern states of Nigeria.
This renewed partnership with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is expected to open new doors for agri-investment, encourage local milk production, and reduce Nigeria’s dependency on expensive dairy imports.
