Nigeria Targets $1.5bn Milk Import Reduction via Grazing Reserves

The Federal Government is focusing on the establishment of grazing reserves across Nigeria to decrease the country's annual milk import bill of $1.5 billion, enhance livestock productivity, and increase the sector's contribution to the economy to $74 billion by 2030. Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, Head of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, stated that work is ongoing at grazing reserves in the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, and Gombe states, despite slow budget releases.

Key infrastructure projects are underway at the Kawu Grazing Reserve, including a collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency to provide solar power. Uchechukwu emphasized that improved livestock management would lead to increased productivity, reduced dependence on dairy imports, and higher incomes for farmers.

The initiative aims to improve animal health and reduce conflicts between farmers and herders by encouraging pastoralists to settle in designated areas.