We must support establishment of dairy board, funds – Jega

The Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Development & Coordinator, Livestock Reforms, and Co-Chairman, Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has stated that institutional strengthening remains central to the success of dairy development in the country. Speaking at the National Dairy Policy Implementation Framework Validation Workshop yesterday in Abuja, he said the […]

The Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Development & Coordinator, Livestock Reforms, and Co-Chairman, Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has stated that institutional strengthening remains central to the success of dairy development in the country.

Speaking at the National Dairy Policy Implementation Framework Validation Workshop yesterday in Abuja, he said the dairy industry is not just about milk—it is about livelihoods, nutrition, empowerment, and opportunity.

Prof. Jega, who was represented by Prof. Demo Kalla, Director, Dairy Research and Development Center, ATBU Bauchi, said that with effective implementation, this policy will empower farmers and create decent jobs for the youth and women.

“The policy provides for the establishment of a National Dairy Development and Milk Marketing Board, which will coordinate activities across the entire dairy value chain to ensure coherence, efficiency, and accountability. This will be complemented by the National Dairy Development Fund (NDDF)—as contained in this implementation framework and matrix we are gathered to brainstorm and validate—designed to provide innovative and sustainable funding mechanisms for the sector. We must strongly support these proposals, as they jointly provide the twin pillars of coordination and creative financing essential to drive transformation.

“Government must create the enabling environment, while the private sector drives innovation, investment, and operational growth. Nigeria must now take its rightful place in the global dairy ecosystem.

“As we strengthen our institutions, it is equally important to learn from international experience. Countries with similar circumstances as ours, such as India, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, have shown that with clear institutional mandates, cooperative development, and strategic government support, the dairy sector can become a pillar of rural transformation. Nigeria can adapt these lessons—balancing public policy leadership with private initiative—to achieve inclusive, resilient growth,” he said.

Professor Jega added that the country must emphasize data-driven decision-making, import substitution, and the creation of a business incentive environment that encourages local content and value addition.