The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to integrating apiculture development into the implementation framework of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) to unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s livestock value chain.
The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made this known during the 2026 World Bee Day celebration held in Abuja on Friday, May 22, 2026.
In his keynote address, delivered by the Director of Quality Assurance and Certification, Nurallah Abubakar, the Minister stated that targeted investments, innovation, private sector participation, youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth remain key to transforming the livestock value chain.
He explained that under the NL-GAS framework, the Ministry is committed to promoting sustainable apiculture practices, strengthening honey and bee product value chains, enhancing research, training and extension services, improving access to markets and financing, encouraging climate-smart agriculture and expanding opportunities for women and youths in the sector.
Dr. Abubakar described bees as vital contributors to agriculture and the environment, noting that beyond honey production, they play a major role in crop pollination, food security, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem stability and climate resilience.
He, however, expressed concern over the growing threats facing bee populations globally, including climate change, habitat loss, environmental degradation, bush burning, indiscriminate pesticide use, pests and diseases.
According to him, the challenges require stronger policy interventions, improved stakeholder collaboration, increased public awareness and sustainable environmental practices.
Also speaking at the event, Mohammad Usman reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to boosting the production of honey and other bee products for local consumption and export.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, said the Ministry remains dedicated to improving the apiculture subsector through sustainable beekeeping practices, better production standards, expanded market access and protection of pollinator habitats nationwide.
Represented by the Director of Ruminants and Monogastric, Victor Egbon, she commended the Youth for Agriculture Initiative for its continued partnership and support for the annual World Bee Day celebration.
Similarly, Osas Isokponomu reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for policies and programmes that promote value addition, industrialisation, export competitiveness and market integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Earlier, the President of the Youth for Apiculture Initiative, Kingsley Nwagwu, called for the establishment of a National Apiculture Policy to unlock Nigeria’s growing apiculture economy.
The event attracted participants from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, research institutions, academia, development partners, students and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector.
