Women Dairy Farmers Essential for Nigeria's Food Security

The Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by Minister of Livestock Development Idi Maiha, has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women in the dairy sector, recognizing their vital role in food security, household nutrition, and rural livelihood growth. This announcement was made during a press briefing in Abuja to mark the commencement of activities for the 2026 World Milk Day celebration.

Maiha noted that women are central to milk production, preservation, storage, and marketing across the country. He emphasized that meaningful transformation in the dairy sector cannot occur without the inclusion and empowerment of women.

The ministry aims to promote gender-responsive dairy policies and strengthen dairy cooperatives. Nigeria's annual milk demand is approximately 1.7 million metric tons, with local production currently between 600,000 and 700,000 metric tons, leading to significant import dependence.

The government, under President Bola Tinubu's Renew Hope Agenda, has initiated efforts to change the trajectory of the dairy sector, including the establishment of a framework for national dairy policy implementation by June 1, 2026.