Nigeria aims to reduce its $1.5 billion milk import expense by importing Danish cows

Livestock Minister Idi Maiha announced on Monday that Nigeria is importing dairy cattle from Denmark as part of a goal to reduce dairy imports, which cost the nation $1.5 billion annually, and to increase its milk production within five years.

Nigeria has one of the biggest herds of cattle in Africa, yet its annual milk production of 700,000 tonnes is less than its 1.6 million tonnes of consumption.

“Our goal is ambitious but achievable; to double Nigeria’s milk production from 700,000 tonnes to 1.4 million tonnes annually in the next five years,” declared the president.

According to Maiha, low-yield pastoralist breeds make up the majority of Nigeria’s 20 million+ cattle.

In order to expand its herd, a Nigerian farm has already imported more than 200 heifers from Denmark, according to Maiha.

Eight new pasture species have been registered so far, the first in 48 years, and a national animal genetic resources strategy has been started with the Food and Agriculture Organization’s help, he said.

“With over 20.9 million cattle, 60 million sheep, and 1.4 million goats already, we are not starting from zero, we are building from strength,” stated Maiha.