The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muktar Maiha, has urged the management of Nestle’s model dairy farm in Abuja to partner with the ministry to develop a curriculum and establish a working relationship to turn the farm into a training institute.
He believes that the creation of a federal ministry of Livestock Development should enhance the promotion of fresh milk consumption, and the development of a national brand to allow Nigerians to enjoy milk in its natural state.
The minister’s proposition comes as a result of growing concern about the preference for powdered milk over fresh milk, despite the country having a thriving cattle industry with over 20 million heads. It is believed that the preference is rooted in the country’s colonial past, when European companies introduced powdered milk as a convenient alternative to fresh milk.
However, nutritionists confirm that this preference has significant implications for public health. Not only that, it also impairs the economy, and the environment. In the case of nutrition, powdered milk often contains added sugars, preservatives, and other ingredients detrimental to health if consumed excessively. The lack of fresh milk in diets can lead to calcium deficiencies, particularly among children and adolescents.
The dominance of powdered milk also has economic implications for Nigeria’s dairy industry. Local dairy farmers and processors struggle to compete with cheaper imported powdered milk, leading to a decline in domestic milk production and a significant trade deficit.
It was in an attempt to address these challenges that Nestle Nigeria invested N1.8 billion in partnership with the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC-2SCALE) and CBI Innovations to boost dairy development in Nigeria. The investment aims to improve the livelihoods of pastoralists and increase milk production.