Ministry of Livestock Commissions 2,000-Litre Milk Collection Centre in Bauchi
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has commissioned a Milk Collection Centre with a 2,000-litre daily capacity at the Sawi Grazing Reserve in Adamami community of Shira Local Government Area, Bauchi State.
The facility, rehabilitated and equipped a few years ago by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development under the Livestock Directorate, is now being managed by a private investor, L&Z Integrated Farms.
Speaking at the inauguration, Director of Livestock Development in the ministry, Tagwi James, said the choice of the Sawi Grazing Reserve was informed by “the significant milk deposits that could be harnessed daily” from the area.
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He noted that the rehabilitation formed part of the Federal Government’s renewed drive to meet the nation’s growing demand for dairy products.
“The aim is to boost local milk production and reduce Nigeria’s dependency on dairy imports,” James said.
James further urged state governments to complement federal efforts by implementing livestock-related policies and programmes.
On his part, Managing Director of L&Z Integrated Farms, Muhammad Damakka Abubakar, stressed the need for Nigeria to scale up its dairy processing and production capacity, warning that the country currently spends about $1.5 billion annually on milk importation.
“Improving milk aggregation and collection infrastructure is essential to achieving self-sufficiency in dairy production,” Abubakar said.
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Chairman of Shira Local Government Council, Alhaji Babangida Maliya, pledged the council’s support for the centre’s success, assuring stakeholders of security and continuous community engagement.
He urged pastoralists to supply milk to the centre while advocating for education among rural dwellers, particularly women and girls.
“Pastoralists play a vital role in boosting the country’s economy, but their movement to different settlements hampers their children’s education,” Maliya noted.
Similarly, the District Head of Disina, Alhaji Abdullahi Mustapha, hailed the Federal Government for the initiative, saying it would encourage pastoralists to settle in one location, thus enabling their children to attend school.
He also commended L&Z Integrated Farms for its role in actualising the project and urged herders to take full advantage of the centre.
Chairman of Miyetti Allah, Shira LGA, Umar Muhammad Hassan, described the facility as a welcome development for the Fulani community.
“The facility will significantly boost economic growth and livelihoods in the area,” Hassan said, pledging to supply quality milk.
He also appealed to the Bauchi State Government to establish a nomadic school in the community to ensure pastoralist children have access to formal education.
