The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has trained 100 small-scale dairy farmers in Ibadan, Oyo State, to enhance local milk production and support the growth of Nigeria’s dairy industry.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen food security and reduce dependence on imported dairy products. In a statement issued by the ministry’s Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Henrietta Okokon, the training programme focused on best practices in dairy farming, including improved animal husbandry, sustainable milk production, processing, and collection methods.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Ajimobi, said empowering grassroots farmers is essential to transforming the livestock sector and improving national dairy output.
“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,” Ajimobi said. He added that improving productivity, quality, and sustainability within the dairy value chain would create long-term benefits for rural communities and the country’s economy.
Ajimobi also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to livestock development through strategic policies, partnerships, and intervention programmes, urging participants to apply the knowledge gained and share it within their communities.
Oyo State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Florence Kalulu, described smallholder dairy farmers as a vital part of Nigeria’s agricultural economy.
According to Kalulu, challenges such as poor animal health management, low productivity, inadequate hygiene practices, and limited access to modern dairy technologies continue to hinder sector growth. She noted that addressing these issues would improve milk quality, safety, and profitability.
“This training is not just about learning, but about transformation,” she said, adding that participants are expected to become advocates of improved dairy practices within their communities.
The programme aligns with the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, which aims to improve productivity, strengthen food security, and modernise the livestock sector nationwide.
Training sessions covered pasture development, feed conservation, breed improvement, feeding techniques for milking cows, herd health management, and proper milk handling practices. Participants also received support materials including heifers, feed, and salt licks to help improve dairy operations.
President of the Women in Dairy Production Association, Racheal Eyitayo-Ariori, praised the government’s support for the dairy industry, noting that assisting small-scale farmers can significantly increase milk production and generate wider economic benefits.
One of the trainees, Moyosore Olatunde, called for greater youth involvement in dairy farming, stressing that innovation and government support could encourage more young people to enter the sector.
The ministry stated that similar training and support programmes would continue across Nigeria as part of ongoing efforts to modernise livestock production and ensure sustainable growth in the dairy industry.