FG, Integrated Dairies Deepen Partnership On Breed Improvement

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with private sector operators to accelerate dairy breed improvement, boost local milk production and drive livestock sector transformation.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, gave the assurance during a meeting with the management of Integrated Dairies Limited (IDL), according to a press statement issued on Friday by the ministry.

The meeting focused on expanding dairy breeding programmes, supporting pastoral livelihoods and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported dairy genetics.

During the meeting, the management of Integrated Dairies Limited sought additional land to expand its operations, saying the move would enhance its capacity to scale up dairy breeding and related activities.

The company highlighted its contributions across the dairy value chain, including fodder production, milk collection and aggregation, processing, farmer support, animal health services and breed improvement through partnerships with local and international organisations.

According to the statement made available by the ministry, IDL said its breeding programme has produced high-performing F1 dairy breeds with improved milk yields, higher conception rates and enhanced productivity.

It added that the proposed expansion would support the establishment of breeding hubs, accelerate the multiplication and distribution of improved dairy breeds, create jobs, strengthen technical capacity and improve the livelihoods of pastoral communities.

The meeting also reviewed proposals to strengthen Artificial Insemination (AI), Embryo Transfer (ET), genetic dissemination programmes and the establishment of world-class breeding and research centres to support Nigeria’s livestock industry.

Maiha described Integrated Dairies Limited as one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous dairy enterprises, commending its investments in livestock genetics, milk aggregation and pastoral community development.

He said the Federal Government considers improved breeding systems a key pillar of its livestock transformation agenda, adding that initiatives such as the Wase Grazing Reserve would provide a platform for expanding improved dairy production while promoting peaceful coexistence between pastoralists and farming communities.

The minister stressed the need for stronger community engagement, capacity building and sustainable business models that integrate pastoralists into modern livestock production systems.

He also called for practical approaches to improve access to quality genetics, feed resources, animal health services and breeding technologies nationwide, assuring the company that the ministry would explore areas of collaboration to support its expansion plans in line with the Federal Government’s livestock development priorities.

The statement said both parties expressed commitment to deepening collaboration to advance dairy genetics, increase national milk production, strengthen food security, create jobs and position Nigeria as a leading dairy producer in Africa.