Abuja, June 1, 2026 — The Dandalin Makiyaya (Coalition of Herders) has praised the Federal Government for its planned $2.5 billion investment in livestock development and efforts aimed at transforming Nigeria’s dairy industry.
The commendation was given by the group’s National Organising Secretary, Comrade Pariya, in an interview on Monday in Abuja to mark the 2026 World Milk Day, observed annually on June 1.
This year’s theme is: “Celebrating Women Dairy Farmers: Promoting Fresh Milk Consumption for a Healthy Nation.”
Pariya said the proposed investment is targeted at modernising livestock production systems, strengthening dairy value chains, improving processing capacity, and reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported dairy products.
He noted that relevant government agencies and stakeholders are already involved in coordinating the implementation process.
According to him, the initiative is expected to significantly boost local milk production, improve cattle breeding and genetics, establish modern dairy farms and milk collection centres, and generate employment opportunities for women and young people.
He added that it would also enhance milk processing and cold-chain systems, reduce dairy import expenditure, conserve foreign exchange, and improve national food and nutrition security through increased availability of quality dairy products.
The initiative, he said, would further improve the livelihoods of pastoralists and smallholder dairy farmers across the country.
Pariya also commended President Bola Tinubu for the establishment of the Presidential Pulaaku Initiative, describing it as a support framework for pastoralist communities affected by insecurity, including victims of the Tudun Biri incident.
Speaking on the World Milk Day theme, he said the focus highlights the essential role of women across the dairy value chain.
He explained that women are actively involved in milking, processing, packaging, marketing, distribution, household nutrition management, and small-scale dairy enterprises.
According to him, recognising and empowering women in the sector would help boost productivity, increase household income, improve child nutrition, and strengthen rural economies.
He also stressed the importance of promoting fresh milk consumption, noting that it contains essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals that support growth, immunity, and overall health.
Pariya added that increased consumption of locally produced milk would not only improve national nutrition outcomes but also expand market opportunities for Nigerian dairy farmers.
He concluded that empowering women and encouraging local milk consumption remain key to achieving food security, improved public health, and a more sustainable dairy industry in Nigeria.
World Milk Day, established by the Food and Agriculture Organisation in 2001, is observed globally to highlight the nutritional value of milk and the importance of the dairy sector.
The day also draws attention to the industry’s contribution to sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and livelihoods, particularly for women and young people engaged in dairy production worldwide.