By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to cut down Nigeria’s staggering $1.5 billion annual milk import bill with the commissioning of a milk collection centre in the Sawi Grazing Reserve, Adamami community, Shira Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The 2,000-litre capacity facility, inaugurated by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, is a strategic step in boosting local dairy production and enhancing Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in milk. It was previously rehabilitated by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and is now managed by L&Z Integrated Farms, a private dairy company.
Speaking at the inauguration, Director of Livestock Development, Tagwi James, stated that the initiative is part of a broader national policy to strengthen the livestock sector, reduce reliance on imports, and grow the local economy.
“This project supports our goal of cutting down the $1.5 billion spent annually on milk imports by investing in local dairy infrastructure and production capacity,” James said.
Managing Director of L&Z Integrated Farms, Muhammad Damakka Abubakar, echoed this, noting that without improving milk aggregation and processing facilities, Nigeria will continue to lag behind in dairy self-reliance.
Community leaders also highlighted the project’s potential to empower rural pastoralists and support education. Shira LGA Chairman, Alhaji Babangida Maliya, urged pastoral families to contribute to the centre’s success and called for more investment in rural schools, particularly for nomadic children.
Traditional leaders and representatives of pastoralist groups, including the District Head of Disina and the Miyetti Allah Chairman in Shira, praised the federal government for the initiative, pledging their support in sustaining milk supply and ensuring the facility’s success.
The centre is expected to play a key role in the national drive for dairy development, job creation, and foreign exchange savings.
