Collaboration, Knowledge Sharing Key in Addressing Nigeria’s Dairy Sector Challenge                                                                                                  

Oluchi Chibuzor 

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s dairy values chain have underscored the need for collaboration and cross-border knowledge sharing in addressing some of the challenges facing the sector.

This was as they equally identified factors such as poor infrastructure, inadequate cold storage facilities, and a lack of efficient supply chains as challenges limiting Nigeria’s dairy value chain and  local production.

This was the key Highlights at a recent Workshop on Nutrition in the Dairy Sector organised by Arla Foods in partnership with the Consulate General of Denmark, and the Financial Centres for Sustainability (FC4S).

The workshop provided the platform for industry stakeholders’ engagement to strengthen the dairy sector’s contribution to national nutrition goals.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director, Arla Foods. Peder Pedersen, said he was inspired by the collective vision and commitment seen from the dairy sector to address critical issues around nutrition and access.

He also said the high-level workshop represented Arla’s ongoing strategic and collaborative efforts to drive the future of dairy in Nigeria forward through nutrition, innovation, sustainability, knowledge-sharing and access. 

According to him, “Arla’s commitment to support the industry under the Partnership for Green and Productive Dairy (PGPD) project, its content development initiatives, green dairy farming practices, and integration of advanced technology continue to effect key developments in the industry’s journey to scaling local production and building a sustainable environment for dairy players and every day Nigerians to thrive. 

“This is the kind of transformative, community-driven change that is at the heart of Arla’s mission, and I’m excited to continue this important journey alongside our industry partners.”

Commenting, the Danish Consul General, Jette Bjerrum, said challenges in the sector require shared commitment in collaboration and knowledge sharing.

“Our gathering today underscores the importance of collaboration and knowledge, sharing across the borders and bringing together expertise, insights and resources that can drive the positive change everybody is looking for.  

“The challenges we face in nutrition and sustainable agriculture require a shared commitment, especially when it comes to developing innovative solutions that can improve food security, health and livelihoods in general. This is an area where Denmark and Nigeria can achieve great things together,” Bjerrum said.

The high level workshop brought together key stakeholders from the dairy value chain—including government officials, farmers, nutrition experts, policymakers, and industry leaders—to discuss strategies for improving dairy nutrition, sustainability, and access. 

The workshop with the theme, ‘Nutrition In The Dairy Sector’, addressed current challenges and opportunities in improving nutrition through Nigeria’s dairy sector. 

Factors such as poor infrastructure, inadequate cold storage facilities, and a lack of efficient supply chains continue to limit Nigeria’s local production, Arla Foods promised to continuously work to engage and explore innovative solutions to enhance dairy nutrition, access, and sustainable production.