NGO, stakeholders partner to boost dairy, livestock production

A non-governmental organisation, Epis Community Development Initiative, is collaborating with experts and stakeholders in the dairy sector to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on dairy imports by increasing local production and strengthening a supply chain that has struggled to keep pace with rising demand. Founder of the organisation, Olufunke Rekiya Hassan, spoke at a two-day seminar held […]

A non-governmental organisation, Epis Community Development Initiative, is collaborating with experts and stakeholders in the dairy sector to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on dairy imports by increasing local production and strengthening a supply chain that has struggled to keep pace with rising demand.

Founder of the organisation, Olufunke Rekiya Hassan, spoke at a two-day seminar held in Abuja with the theme “Feeding the Future: Nordic Expertise Meets Nigeria’s Livestock Ambition.” She said Nigeria has the natural resources to produce more dairy locally, but the sector remains underdeveloped.

“Today, Nigeria spends billions of naira annually importing dairy and protein products that we have the capacity to produce locally. This is not only a food security issue, but also an economic and development challenge,” she said.

Hassan explained that the organisation invited professionals with Nordic expertise to engage with Nigerian stakeholders, including policymakers and sector regulators, to share ideas and develop practical strategies for improving dairy and livestock production.

She said the initiative focuses on addressing weaknesses in the livestock supply chain, particularly in dairy production, which contributes to the high cost of milk and bakery products.

“The idea is to close the gaps in the livestock supply chain. Because we import a large share of dairy products, prices of milk and bakery items remain high. This seminar is one step toward changing that,” she said.

According to her, the long-term objective is for Nigeria to produce enough dairy to meet local demand and eventually serve regional markets.

“We have the land and the people. What we need is better infrastructure and technology to support production,” she said.

Hassan outlined the potential benefits of a modernised livestock and dairy sector, including higher local milk output, growth of small and medium-scale enterprises across feed production, processing and logistics, and stronger contributions to the economy.

She said the seminar examined challenges affecting productivity and explored frameworks to mobilise investment, support cooperatives, and improve coordination between public and private stakeholders.

“These discussions create opportunities for partnerships and projects that can generate lasting impact,” she said.

On the issue of open grazing, Hassan said she personally supports ranching because of its advantages in milk yield and beef quality, but noted that any transition would need to be gradual.

“In a ranch, you get better beef and more milk, but people who have practiced open grazing for generations cannot change overnight. It requires education, infrastructure and access to affordable feed,” she said.

She stressed that without accessible and reasonably priced animal feed, herders would be reluctant to adopt ranching systems.

“If feed is too expensive or unavailable, people will continue grazing. That is why solutions must go hand in hand with any new policies,” she added.

She called for inclusive dialogue and practical solutions that address the realities facing pastoral communities.

“Roundtables like this are important because we are sharing information and bringing everyone together to look for workable solutions,” she said.

Speaking at the event, Amina Mohammed, Principal Animal Husbandry Officer at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, said the ministry is working to improve productivity across the livestock value chain through programmes focused on animal health, breed improvement and pastoral support.

She said one of the ministry’s key initiatives is the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Scheme, which is being implemented alongside consultations with stakeholders.

According to her, the ministry is also partnering with international development organisations, including the World Bank, through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (LPRESS) to strengthen the sector.

“Through capacity building and technical support, we expect the livestock sector’s contribution to the economy to improve steadily,” Mohammed said.

She acknowledged that open grazing remains a major challenge but said any transition to ranching must be gradual and supported by investment in infrastructure.

“Ranching requires significant resources, so our immediate focus is on improving pastoral systems and animal health while laying the groundwork for longer-term changes,” she said.

Mohammed said a livestock health centre has recently been launched under the LPRESS framework, providing veterinary and animal health services that encourage herders to remain in areas where such facilities are available.

“When people can access veterinary care and support services, they are more likely to stay in one place and manage their herds more effectively,” she said.

She added that ongoing efforts in breed improvement, animal health management and pastoral support are aimed at modernising the sector and reducing conflicts associated with traditional grazing practices.