The Dandalin Makiyaya (Coalition of Herders) has commended the federal government for its commitment to investing $2.5 billion in livestock development and transforming Nigeria’s dairy sector.

The national organising secretary of the group, Comrade Pariya, gave the commendation in an interview on Monday in Abuja to mark the 2026 World Milk Day, celebrated annually on June 1.

Mr Pariya said the investment was aimed at modernising livestock production systems, improving dairy value chains, enhancing processing capacity and reducing dependence on imported dairy products.

According to him, the initiative’s implementation is being coordinated by relevant government agencies and stakeholders.

He said the investment was expected to significantly increase local milk production, improve the genetic quality of dairy cattle, establish modern dairy farms and milk collection centres, and create employment opportunities for women and young people.

“The initiative will also strengthen milk processing and cold-chain infrastructure, reduce dairy import bills, conserve foreign exchange and improve food and nutrition security through increased availability of quality milk and dairy products.

“It will equally enhance the livelihoods of pastoralists and smallholder dairy farmers,” he said.

Mr Pariya also commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Presidential Pulaaku Initiative, which he said was designed to support affected pastoralist communities. He said the initiative had provided assistance to victims of insecurity in some communities, including those affected by the Tudun Biri incident.

Mr Pariya said it recognised the critical role women play across the dairy value chain. According to him, women are actively involved in milking, milk handling, processing, marketing, distribution, household nutrition management and small-scale dairy enterprise development.

He said celebrating women dairy farmers was important because empowering them could lead to increased productivity, improved household incomes, better child nutrition and stronger rural economies.

“Promoting fresh milk consumption is equally important because fresh milk is rich in high-quality protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals that support growth, immunity, bone health and overall well-being.

“Increased consumption of locally produced fresh milk can improve national nutrition while creating a larger market for Nigerian dairy farmers. Ultimately, empowering women and promoting fresh milk consumption are critical steps towards achieving a healthier population, greater food security and a more sustainable dairy industry in Nigeria,” he said.

World Milk Day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organisation in 2001 to highlight the importance of milk as a global food.

The day also promotes awareness of the dairy industry’s contributions to nutrition, sustainable agriculture and livelihoods across the world.

Milk is widely recognised as a source of essential nutrients and plays a key role in efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition, while the dairy sector supports the livelihoods of millions of people globally, including women and youth.

(NAN)