The Federal Government has raised concern over Nigeria’s low milk consumption, saying it poses health risks and hurts the economy.
Livestock Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha said on Saturday during the 2025 World Milk Day event in Abuja that while Nigerians consume 1.7 million metric tonnes of milk yearly, only 600,000 metric tonnes are produced locally—just 35% of demand.
He noted that the rest, worth over $1.5 billion, is imported.
Maiha also said Nigerians consume an average of 8.7 litres of milk per person annually, below the WHO’s 10-litre recommendation and far less than Africa’s average of 40 litres.
He urged investment in local production, citing India and South Africa as countries Nigeria can learn from.
