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[IN PHOTOS] Nigeria, EU Dairy Firms Partner to Boost Local Milk Production

The Federal Government has begun discussions with major European dairy companies to strengthen Nigeria’s dairy industry and increase local milk production.

The engagement took place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Abuja during a meeting between the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, and representatives of the EU Dairy Coalition of the Willing.

The coalition includes three leading global dairy companies Arla Foods, Danone, and FrieslandCampina which together have more than 400 years of experience in dairy production and strong international market presence.

Welcoming the delegation, the minister described the coalition as a partnership of capable and willing investors whose expertise could help transform Nigeria’s dairy sector and reduce dependence on imported milk.
Maiha emphasized that improving livestock genetics is a key factor in boosting dairy productivity and achieving meaningful growth in the sector.
“
You can talk about livestock transformation for decades, but without improving the productivity of the animals, we will not achieve meaningful results. Genetics is therefore central to this collaboration,” he said.

The minister also noted that Nigeria has a huge market for dairy products and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working with international partners to strengthen the dairy value chain and increase local production.

As part of the proposed collaboration, Maiha suggested the establishment of a breeding centre to improve cattle genetics and increase milk yields across the country.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the Coordinator of the EU Dairy Coalition of the Willing, Sanne Simmers, described the meeting as productive and said both sides share a strong commitment to developing Nigeria’s dairy industry.

She explained that the coalition aims to support Nigeria in improving dairy productivity through better cattle genetics and stronger collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock Development.

According to her, combining global expertise with Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential will help unlock sustainable growth in the country’s dairy sector.

The partnership is expected to play an important role in strengthening local milk production, creating jobs, and improving food security in Nigeria.

By George Dotimi (BOSTON ONLINE MEDIA)
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