By Stella Odueme
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender-responsive dairy policies and interventions aimed at expanding opportunities for women and youth while accelerating the transformation of Nigeria’s dairy industry.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, stated this at the 2026 World Milk Day Press Briefing following a road walk held in Abuja on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Professor Eustace Iyayi, the Minister said the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda has provided the foundation for one of the most coordinated livestock and dairy transformation efforts in Nigeria’s recent history.
Acccording to the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Henrietta Okokon, on Sunday, he noted that a major milestone in this journey was the validation of the National Dairy Policy Implementation Framework following a stakeholders’ engagement convened by the Ministry in November 2025. According to him, the Framework, which will be officially unveiled on June 1, 2026, provides a clear roadmap for translating Nigeria’s dairy policy objectives into measurable outcomes.
Maiha disclosed that under the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), the Ministry is intensifying investments in feed and fodder development, animal health services, genetic improvement, dairy hubs, milk aggregation centres, cold chain infrastructure, and climate-smart livestock systems to drive dairy industrialisation and increase local milk production.
The Minister further announced plans for the proposed Women and Youth in Livestock Empowerment Initiative, a strategic programme designed to create economic opportunities for 37,000 women and young people across livestock value chains, particularly in dairy production, processing, marketing, and agribusiness.
“As we celebrate women dairy farmers this year, we recognise their critical role in strengthening household nutrition, supporting rural livelihoods, and driving agricultural growth. Our goal is to build an inclusive dairy industry that empowers women and youth while contributing to national food security and economic development,” he stated.
Maiha explained that the initiative, currently undergoing final stakeholder consultations and programme design, is expected to provide beneficiaries with skills development, enterprise support, access to finance, technology transfer, cooperative strengthening, and market integration opportunities.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, represented by the Director of Ruminant and Monogastric Development, Mr. Victor Egbon, said the World Milk Day road walk demonstrated the collective commitment of stakeholders to improved nutrition, healthier lifestyles, sustainable livestock development, and the growth of Nigeria’s dairy industry.
She described this year’s theme, “Celebrating Women Farmers,” as a fitting recognition of the invaluable contributions of women to dairy production, household nutrition, food security, and rural economic transformation.
