President Tinubu Pledges Dairy Revolution, $2.5bn Livestock Investment as Arla-Dano Showcases Nigeria’s Dairy Transformation
By Segun Atanda
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in dairy production and livestock development, declaring that Nigeria must bridge its widening milk deficit through innovation, partnership, and investment.
Speaking at the 2025 Arla-Dano Open Day held at Arla Farms, Damau, Kaduna State, Tinubu described the event as a milestone in the Federal Government’s vision for a sustainable agricultural future anchored on food security, job creation, and economic diversification.
The President noted that Nigeria produces only 0.7 million litres of milk annually, far below national demand and the World Health Organisation’s recommended 210 litres per person yearly.
“Our country spends over $1.5 billion annually importing milk and dairy products despite having millions of cattle and capable producers,” Tinubu said. “This is a paradox we must correct.”
He commended Arla Foods and its partners for their investment in modern dairy farming, saying it aligns with the government’s backward integration policy and the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at boosting local production and empowering farmers.
Tinubu highlighted the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development as a decisive step toward unlocking the nation’s livestock value chain, mitigating herder-farmer conflicts, and driving rural prosperity.
He praised Kaduna State and Arla Foods for transforming Damau into Nigeria’s emerging “dairy hub”, supported by key interventions such as the Damau Household Milk Farm and Danish Government–funded climate-resilient projects that train local producers and improve productivity.
“These projects are building the capacity of 1,000 households, providing improved breeds, pasture, veterinary services, and social amenities,” Tinubu said. “Arla’s role as the off-taker ensures that farmers benefit directly from the value chain.”
The President also disclosed that Nigeria had attracted a $2.5 billion investment commitment to establish six modern meat-processing factories; three for poultry, two for beef, and one for pork, within the next five years.
“These facilities will create jobs, enhance processing capacity, and transfer technology to local producers,” he said, crediting the success to his administration’s strategic partnerships with Brazil and JBS, the world’s largest meat processor.
Tinubu further mentioned other international collaborations, including the EU-funded €18.3 million VACE TARED project, promoting climate-smart agriculture and supporting value chains in livestock, cocoa, ginger, tomato, and cassava.
Reaffirming his administration’s unwavering focus on food security, Tinubu said the government would continue to provide an enabling environment for agribusiness to thrive through the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS).
“With our vast land, youthful population, and collective determination, Nigeria will become self-sufficient in dairy and livestock production,” he assured. “We will not relent until every Nigerian has access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food produced within our borders.”
The President urged investors, farmers, and youth to view the dairy sector as a pathway to national prosperity, innovation, and health.
