Nigeria Spends $1.5 Billion Annually on Dairy Imports —World Bank Economist

News in Brief:

— Nigeria spends an estimated $1.5bn annually importing dairy products, despite its livestock resources and the sector’s contribution to rural employment.

— A World Bank economist has called for improving animal breeds, feed production and technology adoption as the government pursues modern processing.

Speaking at the 2026 Animal Science Meeting in Abuja, World Bank economist Chidozie Onyedikachi Anyiro said Nigeria spends an estimated $1.5 billion annually importing dairy products, despite its livestock resources and the sector’s contribution to rural employment. He said livestock contributes between 2 and 3 per cent of Nigeria’s gross domestic product while employing about 30 per cent of the rural population.

Anyiro argued that the sector’s economic potential would depend on improving productivity rather than simply increasing animal numbers.

Productivity is Key, Not Herd Size

Describing livestock as a renewable economic asset, Anyiro said cattle, goats and sheep could provide food, generate income and reproduce value over time. He urged researchers to improve indigenous breeds, address feed shortages and apply digital technologies to livestock production.

The economist also called for greater participation by women and young people. He highlighted the World Bank-supported $500m Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project, which is being implemented across 29 states to improve productivity, commercialisation, employment and rural livelihoods.

Government Pushes for Modern Processing

Minister of Livestock Development Idi Mukhtar Maiha reiterated the government's plan to establish standard abattoirs closer to livestock production centres. He said projects were already being developed in Edo and Plateau states, adding that modern facilities would reduce losses associated with transporting live animals over long distances. The facilities are also expected to support the commercial use of animal by-products, including blood, bones, hides and hooves.

President of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, Simeon Ohwofa, added that animal agriculture could drive non-oil economic growth but warned against frequent policy reversals which undermine investment and progress. He disclosed that 277 animal scientists would be registered at the conference, while 14 others would be inducted as associate animal scientists.