Annually, Nigeria spends about $2bn on milk import – Jega

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has disclosed that Nigeria spends between $1.5 billion and $2 billion annually on milk imports, describing the situation as economically unsustainable. Jega, who is the Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Reforms and National Coordinator of the Presidential Livestock Reform Initiative, spoke […]

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has disclosed that Nigeria spends between $1.5 billion and $2 billion annually on milk imports, describing the situation as economically unsustainable.

Jega, who is the Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Reforms and National Coordinator of the Presidential Livestock Reform Initiative, spoke on Tuesday in Abuja, while delivering a keynote address at the 2025 Blueprint Impact Series and Awards.

“Our inability to transform the livestock sector has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic stagnation in agriculture. We are still importing over 60 percent of the milk we consume. Imagine the impact of developing our dairy sector to meet both domestic needs and export goals. This new ministry could be a game-changer, if we get it right,” he said.

Jega said the ministry is not just about agriculture, but also about national security, economic growth, and sustainable development.

“If we manage this properly, we can drastically reduce the farmer-herder conflicts, boost rural livelihoods, reduce poverty, and improve food security across the country,” he said.

“President Tinubu has shown courage by addressing a longstanding problem with a practical, forward-looking solution. We must align policy with practice, invest in research, train our veterinarians, support ranching systems, and expand cold-chain logistics. This is how we can transform the sector into a true engine of inclusive growth,” Jega added.

In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who chaired the event, said the Ministry of Livestock Development signals a strategic move to reposition the sector as a driver of industrial growth, job creation, rural development, and foreign trade.

“Nigeria exports millions of livestock annually, yet we have barely scratched the surface of the economic opportunities available — from dairy and meat production to global value chain integration,” he said.

Ministers of Works and FCT – Dave Umahi and Nyesom Wike – were among those honoured for excellence in public service at the event.