Professor Attahiru Jega, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Livestock Development, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s dairy industry.
Jega made the statement on Tuesday at the National Dairy Policy Implementation Framework Validation Workshop held in Abuja.
The workshop was organised by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and development partners.
He was represented at the event by Professor Demo Kalla, Director of the Dairy Research and Development Centre at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.
Jega highlighted the importance of the dairy sector as a driver of national development, noting that the policy is anchored on 11 strategic pillars. He explained that the framework is a key component of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for economic transformation.
“The dairy industry is not just about milk; it is about livelihoods, nutrition, empowerment, and opportunity,” he said.
He commended stakeholders for refining the framework, describing it as essential for building a sustainable and inclusive dairy economy.
The adviser stressed that institutional reform is central to success, including plans for a National Dairy Development and Milk Marketing Board. He also emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships, with government providing support and the private sector driving growth.
Jega pointed to successful dairy models in India, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, noting that clear institutional mandates have driven progress in these countries. He urged stakeholders to adopt data-driven policies, encourage import substitution, and promote local value addition in dairy production.
“A strong market surveillance and quality assurance system is needed to curb substandard imports and protect the dairy value chain,” he added.
He also called for closer cooperation among universities, research institutions, and industry players to foster innovation and technology transfer, and advocated joining the International Dairy Federation to enhance capacity and global competitiveness.
“Ultimately, this policy is about people, creating jobs, and building a sustainable livestock economy for all Nigerians,” Jega said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to successful policy implementation in line with the President’s vision for inclusive growth and food security.
