Nigeria Imports Cows from Denmark to Cut $1.5 Billion Annual Milk Bill

Nigeria is importing dairy cattle from Denmark as part of efforts to double its milk output within five years.

This initiative is part of a broader plan to reduce dairy imports, which cost the country $1.5 billion annually, Livestock Minister Idi Maiha said in Abuja on Monday, June 2, 2025.

Despite having one of the largest cattle populations in Africa, Nigeria produces only 700,000 tonnes of milk per year—far short of the national consumption rate of 1.6 million tonnes.

This shortfall means the country imports about 60% of its milk.

“Our goal is ambitious but achievable: to double Nigeria’s milk production from 700,000 tonnes to 1.4 million tonnes annually within the next five years,” Maiha was quoted as saying by Reuters.

Maiha explained that Nigeria’s cattle population—exceeding 20 million—consists largely of low-yield pastoralist breeds.

He added that a Nigerian farm has already imported more than 200 heifers from Denmark and is expanding its herd through intensive breeding.

The minister also noted that eight new pasture species have been registered—the first in 48 years—and that a national strategy for animal genetic resources has been launched with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

“With over 20.9 million cattle, 60 million sheep, and 1.4 million goats already, we are not starting from zero—we are building from strength,” Maiha said.

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