World Milk Day is an international day established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to recognise the importance of milk as a global food. It has been observed on June 1 each year since 2001. With Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG) being the leading Policy advocacy platform for all agribusiness the DG, Mr Jafar Umar, and othe Board Members of the  NABG  participated in World Milk Day. A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Dairy Policy. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Sabi Abdullahi, disclosed that the federal government will introduce a comprehensive dairy policy on June 4, 2024, aimed at enhancing self-sufficiency in dairy production and to diminish reliance on imports.

He disclosed that Vice President Kashim Shettima would unveil the policy, marking a significant stride toward bolstering Nigeria’s dairy sector. Stating Nigeria’s theme for the day/occasion: “Harnessing the Nutrition and Investment Opportunities in the Dairy Value Chain”, Abdullahi underscored the vital role of the dairy industry in ensuring quality nutrition, particularly for women and children. He said the forthcoming policy sought to implement various initiatives to improve dairy farming practices, foster Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), enhance animal health and boost investment in dairy processing and preservation.

Similarly, the President of the Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN) and Board Member of NABG, Muhammadu Abubakar, underscored the significance of the dairy industry for both economic prosperity and nutritional wellbeing. He called for increased investments and collaboration among industry players to propel the sector’s growth and contribute to Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement.

In conclusion, World Milk Day 2024 served as a springboard for significant developments in Nigeria’s dairy industry. The launch of the National Dairy Policy, coupled with the emphasis on harnessing the sector’s nutritional and economic potential, indicates a strong commitment from the government and industry leaders. By fostering collaboration, improving practices, and attracting investment, Nigeria appears poised to achieve self-sufficiency in dairy production and ensure a more secure and nutritious future for its citizens.