Firm champions dairy wellness
The Federal Government has disclosed spending over $1.5 billion on milk importation yearly to meet an approximately 1.1 million metric tonnes of milk shortfall in the country.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, made this known in Abuja as Nigeria joined the rest of the world to celebrate the World Milk Day, with the theme ‘Supporting Nutrition, Health and Economic Resilience Around the Globe’.
Meanwhile, Orange Group has launched a nationwide campaign, ‘Nourishing Naija’, spotlighting its milk-based beverage, GINMIL. The initiative aligns with the global theme, ‘Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy’, and aims to emphasise milk’s vital role in daily nutrition.
Maiha described milk as a vital nutritional resource for healthy living, especially for children’s growth and development, but noted with concern the low rate of milk consumption in the country.
“Nigeria consumes approximately 1.7 million metric tonnes of milk yearly, yet we produce only about 600,000 metric tonnes locally, covering just 35 per cent of national demand. The remaining 65 per cent, worth over $1.5 billion, is imported, mainly in powdered form. This dependence weakens our economy, drains foreign reserves, and limits local industry growth,” he pointed
He observed that while the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended a yearly intake of 210 litres per person, Nigeria’s average stands at 8.7 litres, far below the African average of 40 litres.
“Our indigenous cattle breeds, primarily managed by pastoralists, yield an average of one to two litres of milk per day, compared to purebred or exotic breeds like Friesians or Jerseys, which can produce more than 30 litres daily under proper management.
Citing India, which is considered the world’s largest milk producer and has achieved more than 200 million tonnes yearly from smallholders’ production, the minister stressed the importance of increasing national production.
The minister detailed the government’s commitment to enhancing the livestock sector through the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, which focuses on areas including livestock value chain development, animal health, and youth empowerment.
GINMIL, a convenient and health-forward drink, combines traditional dairy benefits, such as calcium for strong bones, immune-supporting vitamins and high-quality protein, with modern-day convenience for Nigeria’s fast-paced lifestyle.
According to the Media and Communications Director at Orange Group, Uchenna Ezenna, GINMIL represents more than just nourishment, but embodies a lifestyle rooted in wellness.
As part of the campaign, milk booths across major cities will offer free samples and nutrition education, while an interactive social media challenge, #GinmilNourishNaija, invites users to create and share meals featuring GINMIL.
