By Queen Madaki
ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding Nigeria’s apiculture sector with plans to introduce a National Apiculture Policy aimed at increasing honey production, improving export earnings, creating jobs for youths and supporting environmental sustainability, The Bureau Journal reports.
The disclosure was made during the 2026 World Bee Day celebration organised by the Youth for Apiculture Initiative (YFAI) in Abuja.
FG Begins Consultations on Apiculture Policy
Representing the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, the Director of Quality Assurance and Certification in the ministry, Dr Nurullah Abubakar, said consultations on the proposed policy framework would begin immediately.
He revealed that the ministry had received directives to accelerate efforts toward establishing a structured national policy for the beekeeping sector.
Ministry Officials Active in Beekeeping
Dr Abubakar noted that senior officials within the ministry, including the minister and the permanent secretary, are actively involved in apiculture farming.
According to him, the ministry’s Quality Assurance and Certification Department is focused on helping Nigerian beekeepers earn foreign exchange through the export of honey and other bee-related products.
Concerns Over Threats to Bee Population
The ministry warned that global bee populations are under increasing pressure from climate change, habitat destruction, bush burning, pesticide misuse, pests and diseases.
Officials stressed the need for stronger environmental protection measures, sustainable agricultural practices and deliberate policy actions to preserve pollinators.
Stakeholders Highlight Economic Potential
Dr Victor Egbon, representing the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Chinyere Ijeoma-Akujobi, described apiculture as a viable economic sector with enormous untapped potential in Nigeria.
She stated that pure honey currently sells for as much as ₦10,000 per litre, making beekeeping a profitable venture capable of supporting exports, environmental conservation and community development.
YFAI Says Nigeria Faces Honey Supply Gap
Director-General of the Youth for Apiculture Initiative, Yusuf Adeyemo, said the organisation has trained several young Nigerians over the last eight years, many of whom now own successful honey brands supplying major markets and hotels.
He disclosed that Nigeria imports about 400,000 tonnes of honey annually while local production currently meets only about 10 percent of demand.
“The huge supply gap presents enormous opportunities for young Nigerians in honey production, packaging, branding, advocacy and export,” Adeyemo said.
Experts Link Bee Conservation to Food Security
Guest lecturer at the event, Dr Muyideen Tela, described bees as critical to global food systems and ecosystem preservation.
He explained that one out of every three meals consumed globally depends on bee pollination and noted that pollinators contribute billions of dollars yearly to the world economy through improved crop yields and environmental stability.
Stakeholders at the event also called for increased investment in beekeeping, youth participation, environmental protection and public awareness to unlock the full economic potential of Nigeria’s apiculture industry.
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