Maiha visits Ivorian dairy farm, calls for regional collaboration on milk production
Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has called for greater collaboration and investment in modern dairy production systems to boost self-sufficiency in West Africa.
The minister, who was in Abidjan for the handover ceremony of the outgoing President of the African Development Bank, over the weekend, visited the DJERA Production SARL, a modern dairy farm located about 190 kilometers from the Ivorian capital in the Sous-Préfecture of Kouébo, Toumodi Department. The facility, locally known as Djarema Farm, is one of Côte d’Ivoire’s leading privately owned dairy enterprises.
During the visit, Maiha engaged with producers, exchanging ideas and strategies aimed at advancing sustainable dairy production. He highlighted the importance of knowledge-sharing between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire in tackling regional challenges in the livestock and dairy sectors.
Data show that Côte d’Ivoire produces just 34,109 tonnes equivalent milk (TSEL) annually, meeting only 19% of its domestic demand of 178,302 TSEL. The remaining 81% is covered through imports at a cost of about 43.34 billion FCFA (USD $75 million) each year.
Nigeria, by comparison, produces about 40% of its milk requirements, largely through pastoral systems. While contributions from modern peri-urban producers remain low, the minister noted that they are gradually increasing. Côte d’Ivoire faces similar challenges linked to nomadic livestock practices despite its sizeable livestock resources.
Maiha stressed that adopting modern production techniques and strengthening bilateral cooperation would be vital in reducing dependency on imports and achieving self-sufficiency in both nations.
