FG Signs MoU to Establish Dairy Skills Centre in Abuja, Targets Livestock Sector Transformation

The Federal Government has taken a significant step toward modernising Nigeria’s livestock industry with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Dairy Technical Skills Development Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, said the initiative is designed to bridge the gap in practical knowledge and technical expertise required for modern dairy farming and ranch management across the country.
Maiha noted that Nigeria currently faces a shortage of specialised institutions offering hands-on training in critical areas such as animal breeding, fodder cultivation, and livestock health management. According to him, the new centre will serve as a hub for building capacity and equipping Nigerians with industry-relevant skills.
He explained that the programme is structured to transform livestock farming into a profitable and sustainable business, while also boosting investor confidence in the sector. The first batch of trainees is expected to complete their programme within one year.
Stakeholders at the event highlighted the broader economic impact of the initiative, stressing that the centre would create employment opportunities, improve rural livelihoods, and strengthen Nigeria’s dairy value chain.
They also noted that the project aligns with the Federal Government’s broader livestock transformation agenda, which aims to enhance productivity, reduce farmer-herder conflicts, and promote a more organised and commercially viable livestock industry.
The establishment of the Dairy Technical Skills Development Centre marks a strategic move to reposition the sector as a key driver of economic growth and food security in Nigeria.