Tinubu Govt Unveils 2,000-Litre Milk Hub to Slash Nigeria’s $1.5bn Dairy Import Bill

The Federal Government has inaugurated a 2,000-litre capacity Milk Collection Centre in Bauchi State as part of its drive to enhance local dairy production and reduce dependence on imports.

The facility, located at the Sawi Grazing Reserve in the Adamami community, Shira Local Government Area, was rehabilitated and equipped by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development under its Livestock Directorate. It will now be operated by L&Z Integrated Farms, a private sector partner.

Speaking at the commissioning, the Director of Livestock Development at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Tagwi James, said the site was chosen for its significant milk production potential. He explained that the initiative aligns with the government’s renewed efforts to expand milk aggregation and improve the dairy value chain nationwide.

Managing Director of L&Z Integrated Farms, Muhammad Damakka Abubakar, stressed the urgent need to boost Nigeria’s dairy processing capacity, noting that the nation currently spends around $1.5 billion annually on milk imports. He emphasized that better collection infrastructure is key to achieving self-sufficiency in milk production.

Local authorities also pledged support for the project. Chairman of Shira Local Government Council, Alhaji Babangida Maliya, promised to enhance security, mobilize pastoralists to supply milk, and promote education in the community. The District Head of Disina, Abdullahi Mustapha, commended the initiative, saying it would encourage pastoralist settlement and improve school attendance for their children.

The Miyetti Allah leadership in Shira, represented by its chairman, Umar Muhammad Hassan, welcomed the development as a boost for Fulani livelihoods, pledging commitment to quality milk supply and urging the state government to establish a nomadic school in the area.