The World Milk Day was established in 2001 by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, to celebrate the dairy sector and recognise the significance of milk as an important component of food. On June 1st every year, the day is marked by promoting the benefits of milk and dairy products globally including how dairy supports the livelihoods of one billion people and families. In 2022, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with the Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODRAN), Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition, and other partners met in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to celebrate the event. The conference focused on the theme, “Catalysing a milk revolution in Nigeria through strategic investment in dairy development” by looking at the transformation, development and good policy environment for the dairy value chain.
The conference also discussed opportunities and potentials that could be exploited in terms of finances, job creation, and positioning the sector to contribute significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Speaking at the event, the Director, Department of Animal Husbandry Service of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Winifred Tai-Solarin, stated that the theme of this year’s conference aligned seamlessly with the economic diversification and sustainability focus of the government and other key stakeholders while the sector had been made priority area in the national economic development plan, to create a robust, vibrant and competitive livestock and dairy sector capable of meeting demands of local and external investors, the director added.
