Kaduna Governor Pledges Boost for Livestock Sector, Highlights Arla Farm’s Role in Dairy Development

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the livestock industry by addressing infrastructure gaps, enhancing market access, and attracting new investments.

The governor revealed that in 2023, the state invested €10 million to establish the modern Arla Farm in Damau, Kubau Local Government Area. Speaking at the Arla-Dano Open Day on Wednesday, Sani, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Dr. AbdulKadir Meyere, said the farm is projected to produce between four and five million kilograms of milk annually at full capacity.

Since its inception, the farm has boosted local milk production and created numerous direct and indirect employment opportunities for residents. Sani also highlighted the strong institutional frameworks his administration has put in place to ensure sustainable growth and expansion of agricultural investments.

“In the livestock subsector, Kaduna State operates the Kaduna State Livestock Regulatory Authority, the Kaduna State Livestock Transformation Company, and the Kaduna Ranch Development Company, all working in synergy,” he said.

The governor welcomed the launch of the Nigeria Dairy Centre of Excellence, the Sedentarization and Climate Change Resilience in Nigeria project, and a new yoghurt factory. He explained that these initiatives will equip smallholder farmers with modern technologies to improve milk yield and quality while promoting local sourcing.

“These efforts translate into higher income for farmers, more jobs for youth, and better nutrition for our people,” he added.

Sani noted that the Damau Milk Farm Project, driven through multi-stakeholder collaboration, is expected to stimulate sustainable economic growth in Nigeria’s dairy value chain, with Kaduna State leading the way.

Also addressing the event, Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, representing President Bola Tinubu, described Arla Farm as a product of the Federal Government’s local content and backward integration policies. He pointed out that Nigeria produces only 0.7 million litres of milk annually, far below national demand.

“Our per capita consumption of 8.7 litres per year is below the global average and well under the World Health Organization’s recommended 210 litres per person annually,” Maiha said, highlighting the country’s stark productivity gap. Indigenous cows yield just 0.5 to 1.5 litres daily, compared with the global average of 6.6 litres. Despite Nigeria’s large livestock population, the nation spends over $1.5 billion yearly on milk and dairy imports.

“The Ministry of Livestock Development was created to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s livestock sector, reduce import dependence, address farmer-herder conflicts, and ensure nutrition and prosperity for citizens,” he added.

Maiha further noted that the Damau area is emerging as Nigeria’s dairy hub, hosting projects like Arla Farm and the Damau Household Milk Farm. The Kaduna government, in partnership with investors and development partners, is supporting 1,000 households with improved cows, pasture, veterinary care, and basic amenities. Arla Farm acts as the off-taker of milk, while Danish-sponsored projects—the Partnership for Green and Productive Dairy in Nigeria and the Sedentarisation and Climate Change Resilience initiative—aim to promote climate-resilient dairy production and improve local livelihoods.