Jigawa community gets 1,000-litre milk centre

The Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN) has commissioned a 1,000-litre capacity milk collection centre in the Riniyal community in Ringim LGA of Jigawa State. Stakeholders described the facility as a major milestone in efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s dairy value chain and improve the livelihoods of smallholder dairy farmers. Speaking at the official opening […]

The Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN) has commissioned a 1,000-litre capacity milk collection centre in the Riniyal community in Ringim LGA of Jigawa State.

Stakeholders described the facility as a major milestone in efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s dairy value chain and improve the livelihoods of smallholder dairy farmers.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony, the National President of CODARAN, M.D. Abubakar, said the centre represented a bold step towards addressing long-standing challenges in milk aggregation, storage and logistics in the country.

He noted that the project, conceived under the Milk Aggregation and Logistics Development Project (MALDEP), aimed to bridge the gap between milk production and processing by providing modern facilities for aggregation, cooling and hygienic testing.

He said, “This centre stands as a testament to our shared commitment to improving milk quality, expanding market access and fostering inclusive development. The motorcycles and stainless-steel milk cans provided to aggregators are of the highest standard to ensure safe and hygienic transportation.”

He noted that Nigeria’s dairy sector had long suffered from weak cold-chain infrastructure, a gap the MALDEP project sought to close through strategic partnerships and community-driven development.

The CODARAN president commended the Jigawa State Government, Ringim LGA, L&Z Integrated Farms, BOP Inc., and community leaders for collaborating to actualise the project.

He highlighted additional features at the centre, including a solar-powered borehole and drinking troughs for cattle, designed to ease water access and boost productivity for herders.

He said, “We call on the people of Ringim and Jigawa to safeguard this centre from vandalism. Its transformational potential extends beyond this community and contributes to national food security.”

Also speaking, the National General Secretary of CODARAN, Engr. Abimbola Daniel, said the choice of Ringim was informed by the high density of dairy farmers in the area.

He explained that the centre was expected to raise milk production, improve hygiene standards and significantly increase the income of smallholder producers.

He said, “All milk collected will be tested before being transported to processors who convert it into yoghurt and other products. More income for farmers means a better and more meaningful life.”

The District Head of Ringim, Alhaji Nasiru Isah Mahmud, called for the establishment of local retail shops to enable residents to easily access L&Z dairy products.

He said, “Introducing these shops will ensure that our people have regular and convenient access to quality milk without traveling long distances.”

The Ringim leader of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders of Nigeria (MACBAN), Malam Mati Jana, commended the district head and noted that the initiative would boost milk access and support pastoral families.

He urged residents to utilise the new facilities effectively.

The CODARAN Milk Collection Centre is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as part of broader efforts to enhance Nigeria’s dairy production and expand economic opportunities for rural communities.