Attahiru Jega, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on livestock development, says the federal government remains committed to modernising Nigeria’s dairy industry.

He stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the National Dairy Policy Implementation Framework Validation Workshop.

The workshop was organised by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and development partners.

Mr Jega reiterated the need for greater focus on the dairy sector to boost national development, adding that the policy is anchored on 11 strategic pillars. He explained that the framework forms a key part of Mr Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for economic transformation.

According to him, the policy aims to transform the livestock and dairy sector into a driver of food security and job creation.

“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 crucial to building a sustainable and inclusive dairy economy.

Mr Jega noted that institutional reform remains central to success, including plans for a National Dairy Development and Milk Marketing Board.

He stressed the importance of strong public-private partnerships, with the government providing support and the private sector driving growth.

He said Nigeria could learn from India, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, which have achieved progress through clear institutional mandates.

He urged stakeholders to adopt data-driven policies, foster 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.

Mr Jega called for closer cooperation among universities, research bodies, and industry players to drive innovation and technology transfer. He also advocated joining the International Dairy Federation to boost capacity and global competitiveness.

“Ultimately, this policy is about people, creating jobs and building a sustainable livestock economy for all Nigerians,” he said.

Mr Jega reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring successful policy implementation in line with the President’s vision for inclusive growth and food security. 

(NAN)