FG, partners launch ‘Choose Milk’ campaign to promote healthier nutrition

The Federal Government, alongside development partners, nutrition experts, healthcare professionals and industry stakeholders, has launched the “Choose Milk Campaign,” a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting informed dairy consumption and improving nutrition awareness among Nigerian children and families. The campaign was unveiled in Lagos through a collaboration involving the Danish Dairy Board, the European Union, the […]

The Federal Government, alongside development partners, nutrition experts, healthcare professionals and industry stakeholders, has launched the “Choose Milk Campaign,” a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting informed dairy consumption and improving nutrition awareness among Nigerian children and families.

The campaign was unveiled in Lagos through a collaboration involving the Danish Dairy Board, the European Union, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

The initiative seeks to educate consumers on the nutritional benefits of dairy milk while clarifying the differences between real milk and creamers commonly sold in the market.

Representatives of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), nutritionists, healthcare professionals, development organisations, media practitioners and social media influencers attended the launch.

Notable personalities at the event included actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele and paediatrician Dr Ayodele Renner, popularly known as the “Noisy Naija Paediatrician.”

Speaking during the launch, the Danish Consul General to Nigeria, Mrs Jette Bjerrum, stressed the importance of stronger collaboration among governments, schools, healthcare institutions, development agencies and private sector organisations to improve nutrition outcomes in Nigeria.

She described good nutrition as essential for children’s physical growth, brain development, learning ability, immunity and long-term well-being.

“Good nutrition is one of the strongest foundations that we can provide to a child,” she said, adding that increasing misinformation, changing lifestyles and economic pressures have created confusion around food and nutrition choices.

Bjerrum explained that milk contains essential nutrients such as calcium, protein, vitamins, iodine and phosphorus, which are critical for healthy growth and development.

Drawing from Denmark’s experience, she highlighted the country’s school milk programme, which reaches more than 50,000 children across about 1,100 schools weekly.

Also speaking, Senior Project and Marketing Manager of the Danish Dairy Board, Mr Lars Jensen, said the campaign was designed to address misconceptions surrounding dairy consumption and help Nigerians distinguish between dairy milk and creamers.

“Not all products marketed within the dairy category deliver the same nutritional value. Creamers do not offer the key nutrients found in dairy milk,” he said.

Jensen said the campaign would take its message directly to communities, schools and nutrition advocates to encourage lasting behavioural change.

In a video message, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, commended the initiative, saying it aligns with government efforts to improve national nutrition, promote sustainable dairy consumption and strengthen the local dairy value chain.

He said encouraging Nigerians to prioritise dairy milk would help build a healthier and more food-secure nation.

Also speaking, the Director and Head of Food and Drug Services at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs Olufowobi-Yusuf Adeola, described the campaign as timely amid growing concerns over malnutrition and poor nutrition literacy.

“Campaigns like this are important because they help consumers make informed choices that benefit their health and the well-being of their children and families,” she said.

Organisers said the “Choose Milk Campaign” would run for three years through community engagements, school programmes, media campaigns and digital advocacy aimed at improving nutrition education across Nigeria.