Why prices of unpasteurised milk differ in northern states

The prices of raw milk across selected states in Nigeria have continued to show significant variations, shedding light on diverse factors impacting the market.

Presently, the price of raw milk is higher in the North East and North Central.

Data from Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN) as at December 31, 2023, show the prices of raw milk in some selected northern states.

In Abuja for example, a litre of raw milk costs between N300 and N600, while in Adamawa State it cost N600 per litre.

Similarly in Bauchi State, the average price of milk is between N600- N700 per litre whereas in Gombe State it is N700 per litre.

However, the price of milk in Jigawa State is lower at N350 per litre and slightly higher in Kaduna State selling at N380 to N400 per litre. It is also selling at N400 per litre in Kano State.

Milk prices in Nasarawa and Niger states are pegged at N400 to N1,000 and N550 to N1,000 per litre respectively.

But in Plateau and Taraba states, the price of raw milk is even slightly lower than the states earlier mentioned as it costs N300 to N360 per litre in Plateau and N300 to N350 per litre in Taraba.

The price of raw milk has continued to be affected by specific regional issues.

Such regional issues include seasonal variations, which are an important factor that affects the prices of raw milk in different states—during specific seasons.

Another factor is milk delivery method to the processor and the issue of milk availability also determines the possible increase or decrease in the price of unpasteurised milk.