By: Lanre Shodimu
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to integrating apiculture development into the implementation framework of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), as part of efforts to unlock the vast potential within the livestock value chain.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made this known during the 2026 World Bee Day celebration held in Abuja.
Represented by the Director of Quality Assurance and Certification, Dr. Nurallah Abubakar, the minister said the livestock value chain could be transformed through strategic investments, innovation, private sector participation, youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth.
He explained that under the NL-GAS framework, the ministry would promote sustainable apiculture practices, strengthen value chain development for honey and other bee products, enhance research, training and extension services, improve access to markets and financing, encourage climate-smart agricultural practices, and expand opportunities for women and youths in the sector.
According to him, bees are among nature’s most productive species, serving not only as producers of honey but also as critical pollinators that support crop reproduction, food security, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem stability and climate resilience.
Abubakar, however, warned that global bee populations are increasingly threatened by climate change, habitat loss, environmental degradation, bush burning, indiscriminate pesticide use, pests and diseases.
He stressed the need for deliberate policy interventions, stronger stakeholder collaboration, increased public awareness and sustainable environmental practices to address the challenges.
Also speaking at the event, the representative of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Mohammad Usman, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to boosting honey and bee product production for both local consumption and export.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, said the ministry remained committed to strengthening interventions aimed at improving the apiculture subsector, promoting sustainable beekeeping practices, enhancing production standards, expanding market access and protecting pollinator habitats nationwide.
Represented by the Director of Ruminants and Monogastric, Mr. Victor Egbon, she commended the Youth for Agriculture Initiative (YFAI) for its continued partnership and commitment to the annual commemoration of World Bee Day.
Similarly, the representative of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Osas Isokponomu, pledged support for policies and programmes that promote value addition, industrialisation, export competitiveness and market integration within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Earlier, the President of the Youth for Apiculture Initiative (YFAI), Mr. Kingsley Nwagwu, called for the establishment of a National Apiculture Policy to serve as a foundation for developing Nigeria’s emerging apiculture economy.
Participants at the event included representatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, research institutions, development partners, academia, students and other stakeholders.
