The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has trained 100 small-scale dairy farmers in Ibadan as part of efforts to improve local milk production and strengthen Nigeria’s dairy industry.
The ministry disclosed this in a statement signed by its Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Henrietta Okokon.
According to the statement, the training focused on dairy farming best practices, improved animal husbandry, and sustainable methods of milk production, collection and processing.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Ajimobi, said the initiative was aimed at improving farmers’ productivity and building a sustainable dairy value chain.
“As we continue to push for self-sufficiency in livestock production, initiatives like this remind us that real transformation begins with empowering farmers at the grassroots,” he said.
Ajimobi added that the Federal Government remained committed to unlocking the economic potential of the livestock sector through targeted programmes, partnerships and policy support.
The Oyo State Coordinator of the ministry, Florence Kalulu, described smallholder dairy farmers as critical to Nigeria’s agricultural system.
She identified low productivity, poor animal health management, inadequate hygiene practices and limited access to modern techniques as major challenges affecting the dairy sector.
Kalulu said the programme aligned with the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, which seeks to improve productivity, reduce import dependence and strengthen food security.
The training covered areas such as feed conservation, pasture development, breed improvement, herd health management and milk handling. Participants also received support items including heifers, feed and salt licks to improve dairy operations.
President of the Women in Dairy Production Association, Racheal Eyitayo-Ariori, called for greater inclusion of women in dairy production, while participant Moyosore Olatunde urged the government to encourage more youth involvement in the sector.
