By Ahmad Saleem
The Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN) has commissioned a new milk collection centre in Riniyal community, Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State, marking what stakeholders describe as a major milestone in efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s dairy value chain and improve the livelihoods of smallholder dairy farmers.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony, the National President of CODARAN, M.D. Abubakar, said the centre represents a bold stepi toward addressing long-standing challenges in milk aggregation, storage, and logistics in the country.
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He said the project, conceived under the Milk Aggregation and Logistics Development Project (MALDEP), aims to bridge the gap between milk production and processing by providing modern facilities for aggregation, cooling, and hygienic testing.
“This centre stands as a testament to our shared commitment to improving milk quality, expanding market access, and fostering inclusive development. The motorcycles and stainless-steel milk cans provided to aggregators are of the highest standard to ensure safe and hygienic transportation,” Abubakar said.
He noted that Nigeria’s dairy sector has long suffered from weak cold-chain infrastructure, a gap the MALDEP project seeks to close through strategic partnerships and community-driven development.
The CODARAN President also commended the Jigawa State Government, Ringim Local Government, L&Z Integrated Farms, BOP Inc., and community leaders for collaborating to actualise the project.
He highlighted additional features at the centre, including a solar-powered borehole and drinking troughs for cattle to ease water access and boost productivity for herders.
“We call on the people of Ringim and Jigawa to safeguard this centre from vandalism. Its transformational potential extends beyond this community and contributes to national food security,” he added.
Also speaking, the National General Secretary of CODARAN, Engr. Abimbola Daniel, said the choice of Ringim was informed by the high density of dairy farmers in the area.
He explained that the centre is expected to raise milk production, improve hygiene standards, and significantly increase the income of smallholder producers.
“All milk collected will be tested before being transported to processors who convert it into yoghurt and other products. More income for farmers means a better and more meaningful life,” he said.
The District Head of Ringim, Alhaji Nasiru Isah Mahmud, called for the establishment of local retail shops to enable residents to easily access L&Z dairy products.
“Introducing these shops will ensure that our people have regular and convenient access to quality milk without travelling long distances,” he said.
The Ringim leader of Miyetti Allah, Malam Mati Jana, commended the District Head and said the initiative would boost milk access and support pastoral families. He urged residents to utilise the new facilities effectively.
The CODARAN Milk Collection Centre, equipped with a 1,000-litre capacity system, was supported by the Bill Gates Foundation as part of broader efforts to enhance Nigeria’s dairy production and expand economic opportunities for rural communities.
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