Workers at the L&Z plant in northern Nigeria, milk cows at the factory that processes various dairy products for sale across the country. Dairy processing has been declining over the years leaving just a few companies like this barely managing to stay afloat. Poor infrastructure and competition from the imported cheaper products are the main bottle necks.
” What is lacking is harnessing the milk at the right quantity, the right quality, and delivering to the processing plant at the right time.” Muhammed Damakka Abubakar, Chief Executive Officer, L&Z Integrated Farms Limited
At this farm, most of the milk comes from Nigeria’s Fulani cattle herders. Many of them collect their milk in difficult conditions always lacking proper facilities or equipment. L&Z company has eased their difficulties.
“I am happy now because L&Z is buying my milk. Before, I would transport the milk to the market and sell it but now the company is buying the milk from my location, so it is a good development.” Umaru Mande, Secretary, Fulani Co-Operative Society
Electricity access and machinery needed to improve efficiency, still remains unattainable for many farmers in Nigeria. But with just a little goodwill from the government, many here believe their production can sustain the West African region.
“Nigerians producing yoghurt for instance, we don’t have any reason to encourage yoghurt importation into this country. It’s sad and it’s criminal for us to allow this to continue to happen.”Muhammed Damakka Abubakar, Chief Executive Officer, L&Z Integrated Farms Limited
Between a global oil glut and a slump in oil prices straining Nigeria’s oil dependent economy, the government is looking into different ways to diversify. And now on the table is a plan to strengthen the agriculture sector and create jobs and reduce the reliance on costly food imports.
