In a bold move to cut costly dairy imports, Nigeria has begun importing high-yield heifers from Denmark, aiming to double its annual milk output within five years and save an estimated $1.5 billion. Livestock Minister Idi Maiha announced the initiative on Monday, citing the nation’s current shortfall: producing 700,000 tonnes of milk each year while consuming 1.6 million tonnes.
“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,” Maiha said, standing among newly established pastures on a local farm. “Our goal is ambitious but achievable: to raise milk output from 700,000 tonnes to 1.4 million tonnes by 2030.”
A family-owned farm in Kaduna State has already received more than 200 heifers bred in Denmark, selected for their ability to produce roughly twice as much milk as the country’s traditional pastoral breeds. These Danish cows—once acclimatized—are expected to deliver an annual yield of 7,000 liters each, compared with the average 3,000 liters from local breeds. Farmers on the ground say this could transform rural incomes.
“We have seen a difference in both health and productivity,” remarked Aisha Bello, who oversees the milking operations at the Kaduna facility. “These cows adapt surprisingly well to our climate, and the milk has excellent quality. Our local dairy processors are already lining up to collect fresh supplies.”
Minister Maiha also highlighted the registration of eight new pasture species—Nigeria’s first such update in 48 years—and the launch of a national animal genetic resources strategy, developed in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization. These measures aim to improve forage quality, enhance livestock nutrition and spread best practices to small-scale farmers.
Nigeria now imports about $1.5 billion worth of powdered and liquid milk annually, straining foreign exchange reserves and pushing up retail prices. By increasing domestic production, officials hope to halve that import bill. Local processors, including major dairy brands, stand to benefit from more stable milk supplies and reduced costs.
For consumers, this could mean fresher, more affordable milk in markets from Lagos to Kano. “I spend at least N15,000 each month on powdered milk for my children,” said market vendor Ifeoma Nwankwo in Abuja’s Wuse Market. “If fresh milk becomes cheaper, it will make a real difference to my household budget.”
Rural cooperatives and agricultural extension services are already mobilizing training sessions to help farmers care for the new breeds. Veterinarians are traveling to remote areas to teach dairy hygiene, vaccination protocols and pasture management. The hope is that within five years, a network of high-output dairy farms across Nigeria will reduce reliance on imports and strengthen the livelihoods of tens of thousands of smallholders.
“This initiative is about food security and economic opportunity,” Maiha concluded. “With dedication and the right resources, Nigeria can become self-sufficient in milk and even begin exporting surplus to neighboring countries.”
If all goes according to plan, five years from now Nigerians may find locally produced milk on every breakfast table—an outcome that would mark a historic shift for a nation long known more for its cattle than its dairy.