Nigerians have been advised to prioritise the consumption of real milk, not creamer, because of its nutritional value.
This piece of advice was given by the federal government and some of its partners at the launch of the Choose Milk Campaign in Lagos.
This is a strategic national initiative focused on helping Nigerian households make informed dairy choices by strengthening consumer education and awareness on the nutritional benefits of milk and the differences between real milk and creamers.
According to the Senior Project Manager from the Danish Dairy Board, Mr Lars Jensen, the initiative seeks to address widespread misconceptions about dairy consumption while drawing a clear distinction between dairy milk and creamers commonly found in the Nigerian market.
He said at the unveiling that, “Not all products marketed within the dairy category deliver the same nutritional value,” noting that, “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,” he added.
Also speaking, the Danish Consul General to Nigeria, Ms Jette Bjerrum, emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving nutrition awareness and improving health outcomes.
She noted that sustainable progress in nutrition education and dairy development can only be achieved through partnerships among governments, healthcare institutions, development organisations, and responsible industry stakeholders.
Echoing this call for collaboration and shared responsibility in improving nutrition outcomes was the Minister of Livestock Development, Mr Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who, in a video message played during the event, commended the initiative and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to improving nutrition and strengthening the dairy sector in Nigeria.
“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,” he said. “By encouraging Nigerians to prioritise dairy milk, we are taking a significant step towards building a healthier and more food-secure nation.”
In her remarks, the Director of Food and Drugs Services of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs Olufowolabi-Yusuf Adeola, described the campaign as timely and aligned with the federal government’s broader efforts to tackle malnutrition and improve nutrition outcomes across the country.
“Nutrition remains one of the most important public health priorities for any nation seeking sustainable growth and development. Consumers are faced with numerous food options and varied information about nutrition.
“Therefore, people must understand what to consume, why it matters, and how it contributes to their health and well-being. Campaigns like this help bring the nutrition literacy gap by empowering consumers with accurate information that enables them to make informed dietary choices for themselves and their entire families,” she stated.
The Choose Milk Campaign is expected to run for three years, driving sustained nationwide awareness efforts designed to help Nigerian consumers better understand authentic dairy products and make informed nutritional decisions that support healthier families and communities.
The campaign will reach consumers across the country through community engagement initiatives, school educational sessions, social media campaigns, TV and radio awareness programmes, and other public education activities.
The launch was attended by several personalities, including Funke Akindele, Dr Ayodele Renner (Noisy Naija Paediatrician), several senior government officials, respected media personalities, digital creators, and lifestyle influencers.
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