The Central Bank of Nigeria has given approval to six dairy companies to import milk into the country.

The move is part of efforts aimed at bridging the supply gap of the product as the government pursues its backward integration strategy to make the country self-sufficient in milk production.

The development was confirmed in a circular issued by the CBN dated February 11, 2020, and signed by the Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Dr Ozoemena Nnaji.

The apex bank said the approval was given in line with its objective to increase and improve the local production of milk, its derivatives and other dairy products in the country.