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 economic potential of Nigeria’s livestock value chain and strengthen sustainable agricultural development.
The Minister of Livestock Development Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made this known during the 2026 World Bee Day celebration held in Abuja, where he highlighted the importance of targeted investments, innovation, private sector participation, youth empowerment and inclusive growth in transforming the livestock sector.
Represented by the Director of Quality Assurance and Certification Nurallah Abubakar, the minister explained that the NL-GAS framework would promote sustainable apiculture practices strengthen honey and bee-product value chains improve research and extension services, expand access to markets and financing encourage climate-smart agriculture and create greater opportunities for women and youths.
He noted that bees play a critical role in food production and environmental sustainability stressing that beyond honey production they are essential for pollination biodiversity conservation ecosystem stability and climate resilience.
Dr. Abubakar, however expressed concern over growing threats to global bee populations including climate change habitat destruction, environmental degradation, bush burning, indiscriminate pesticide use, pests and diseases. He called for stronger policy interventions, increased public awareness, stakeholder collaboration and sustainable environmental practices to safeguard pollinator populations.
Also speaking at the event, Mohammad Usman reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to increasing the production of honey and other bee products for both domestic consumption and export markets.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock Development Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, stated that the ministry remains focused on strengthening interventions aimed at improving the apiculture subsector through sustainable beekeeping practices, improved production standards, enhanced market access and the protection of pollinator habitats nationwide.
Represented by the Director of Ruminants and Monogastric Victor Egbon, she also commended the Youth for Agriculture Initiative for its continued partnership and support for the annual World Bee Day celebration.
Delivering a goodwill message Osas Isokponomu, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to 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 provide a structured framework for developing Nigeria’s emerging apiculture economy.
The event attracted participants from government ministries departments and agencies, academic institutions, research organisations, development partners, students and other stakeholders within the agriculture and livestock sectors.
Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the integration of apiculture into the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy would enhance honey production, create employment opportunities, improve rural livelihoods, strengthen food security and contribute to environmental sustainability across Nigeria.
