The Federal Government has announced new plans to unlock opportunities in apiculture, particularly bee keeping, as part of efforts to create jobs and improve income for citizens interested in various farming sectors.
Minister of Livestock Development, Malam Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made this known during the World Bee Day celebration and the 6th Nigerian Youth Beekeepers Summit held in Abuja on Thursday. The event, themed "Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all," highlighted the government's recognition of bee keeping's significance to the nation's agricultural sector.
Maiha emphasized that the honey bee industry would benefit from President Bola Tinubu's deliberate decision to develop all sub-sectors of animal agriculture through the creation of the ministry. He stated that the ministry is committed to developing and implementing policies that promote the growth of the apiculture industry.
"Bees and pollinators play a crucial role in ensuring food security, economic development, and environmental conservation. They pollinate over 75% of the world's crops, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds," the Minister explained.
"In Nigeria, apiculture portends an immense potential for job creation, poverty reduction and economic growth. This year's campaign thus aims at consolidating past gains in the industry by further engaging and sensitizing the youth and other stakeholders," he added.
The government's strategy includes promoting modern bee keeping through support for establishing more modern apiaries across the country and providing structural and technical assistance to existing beekeepers. To improve standards and quality of Nigerian honey bee products, a Standard Operating Procedure has been drafted, awaiting review and validation.
Nigeria's Honey Production Gap
According to Kingsley Nwaogu, National President of Youths for Apiculture Initiative (YFAI), Nigeria spends approximately $3 billion annually on honey importation. The country currently produces only 40,000 tons of honey out of its 400,000-ton annual consumption capacity—less than 10 percent of demand.
"Beekeeping represents a viable microeconomic enterprise which pays for itself in the first year. Apiculture is a sustainable tool for grassroots poverty alleviation and empowerment of women and youths," Nwaogu stated.
He also highlighted that majority of Nigerian farmers growing different cash and food crops require the services of beekeepers during flowering periods to achieve maximum yields and high-quality produce.
Calls for Institutional Support
Yusuf Adeyemo, Director-General of YFAI, urged the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to consider elevating apiculture to a full department and establishing an Apiculture Board, similar to Ethiopia and other African countries that have successfully harnessed the potential of apiculture for economic growth.
Adeyemo also requested full support for the sector, comparable to livestock development, to unlock its vast potential. Additionally, he sought collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to develop mobile honey testing facilities, ensuring Nigerian honey meets international standards.
The Minister acknowledged that despite their importance, bees face numerous threats, including habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and declining pollinator populations. He insisted these challenges must be addressed through sustainable beekeeping practices, research, and policy support.
The government has reiterated its commitment to promoting youth participation in apiculture through training, capacity building, and technical support, recognizing the sector's potential to create jobs, generate income, and improve livelihoods for women and young Nigerians.
