The Hon. Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has said that the Ministry is set to collaborate with the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority to develop large-scale diary production and processing diary projects in Nigeria.
The Minister disclosed this when the delegation from the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), paid him a courtesy visit today, 30th April, in Abuja.
Mukhtar, in his welcome address, stated that the Ministry is set to collaborate with NSIA, by providing technical support that would enhance fulfillment of its mandate, by deploying a technical working Committee with relevant Departments of the Ministry.
These Departments, he said, would meet with NSIA team, to discuss on modalities and come up with innovative concepts of the products as well as , monitor how the whole project will work out when it finally commences.
The Minister stressed that, the dairy project aligns with the Federal Government’s agenda, to boost local production and rural dairy products for sustainable economic development.
The Committee he explained, must drill deeper down with the team to get all the facts about the project timeliness, visit the facility to know the level of mechanization, as well as, integrate new ideas, provide criteria for selection and bring to bear expertise in the management of large dairy farms.
The Committee is expected to study and know the background for specific feedback, and outline the action , that would sustain the development of diary production in Nigeria.
He assured them of the Ministry’s support in terms of energy, power and physical commitment by ensuring that, Nigeria becomes one of the best in Diary production in line with world best practice.
The Honourable Minister, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector; by supporting sustainable dairy productions, enhancing food security and job creation, promoting public–private partnerships to accelerate the sector growth.
Speaking during the advocacy visit, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Ijeoma Akujobi, commended the efforts of the Nigrian Sovereign Investment Authorithy stating that, the Ministry is willing to support the collaborative initiative of the project by ensuring sustainability of dairy production in Nigeria.
Earlier, in his briefing, the Senior Vice President, of Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, Mr. Iruansi Itoandon, informed the Minister that , the meeting was convened to discuss collaboration and implementation strategies for the UK Dairy Project, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s dairy value chain through strategic investment, improved livestock productivity, and sustainable milk production systems.
In his overview of projects in Nasarawa State, the NSIA delegation highlighted, progressive updates on the dairy development initiatives as one of the projects that seeks to modernize dairy farming practices and enhance local milk production capacity in Nigeria.
The emphasis he said, was placed on improving cattle genetics, feed availability, and pasture management.
” We have also enhanced discussion on reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported dairy products, Increase Investment and Partnership framework in the region ‘” he added.
He further highlighted , on the investment opportunities and financing mechanisms that would support dairy infrastructure collaboration between government institutions, private investors, and international partners .
We also encourage capacity building and technology transfer, training programmes for farmers and extension officers proposed to be part of our Project scope.
“We are poised to the adoption of modern dairy technologies and best global practices as part of our engagements” he added.
Henrietta Okokon
Deputy Director Press/ Public Relations
30/4/26
