Nigeria tackles dairy nutrition misinformation with nationwide campaign

Nigeria has launched a nationwide campaign to combat misinformation about dairy nutrition, aiming to empower consumers to make healthier choices. The "Choose Milk Campaign," unveiled in Lagos, is a collaborative effort involving the Federal Government, nutrition experts, development partners, the Danish Dairy Board, and the European Union.

The initiative seeks to enhance consumer awareness of dairy milk's nutritional benefits and educate the public on distinguishing genuine milk from commonly sold creamers. Senior Project Manager at the Danish Dairy Board, Lars Jensen, highlighted that not all products marketed as dairy offer the same nutritional value. "It is important for consumers to understand that creamers do not offer the key nutrients found in dairy milk," Jensen stated, emphasizing the campaign's focus on clarity, transparency, and better health outcomes through direct community engagement and education.

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Not all products marketed within the dairy category deliver the same nutritional value. It is important for consumers to understand that creamers do not offer the key nutrients found in dairy milk. This campaign is about clarity, transparency and better health outcomes. We are taking this message directly to communities, schools and nutrition advocates because education at the grassroots level is key to driving lasting behavioural change.

Jette Bjerrum, Danish Consul General to Nigeria, underscored the importance of strong partnerships between governments, healthcare institutions, development organizations, and industry stakeholders for improving nutrition. She noted that sustainable progress in nutrition education and dairy development relies on public-private collaboration. The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, affirmed the campaign's alignment with the Federal Government's goals to enhance national nutrition, promote sustainable dairy consumption, and strengthen the local dairy value chain.

"By encouraging Nigerians to prioritise dairy milk, we are taking a significant step towards building a healthier and more food-secure nation," Maiha said in a recorded video message, signaling the government's commitment to the initiative's success.

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This Choose Milk campaign strongly aligns with the ministry’s objectives to improve national nutrition, promote sustainable dairy consumption and strengthen the local dairy value chain. By encouraging Nigerians to prioritise dairy milk, we are taking a significant step towards building a healthier and more food-secure nation.