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 opportunities within Nigeria’s livestock value chain.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made this known during the 2026 World Bee Day celebration held in Abuja on Friday, where he highlighted the role 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, Dr. Nurallah Abubakar, the minister stated that the NL-GAS framework would promote sustainable apiculture practices, strengthen value chain development for honey and other bee products, improve research, training and extension services, expand access to markets and financing, encourage climate-smart agricultural practices, and create more opportunities for women and youths in the sector.
He noted that bees remain vital to food production and environmental sustainability, stressing that beyond honey production, they play a critical role in pollination, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem stability and climate resilience.
Dr. Abubakar, however, warned that global bee populations are increasingly under threat from climate change, habitat loss, environmental degradation, bush burning, indiscriminate pesticide use, pests and diseases. According to him, the situation requires deliberate policy actions, stronger stakeholder collaboration, increased public awareness and the adoption of sustainable environmental practices.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Mohammad Usman, representing the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to increasing the production of honey and other bee products for local consumption and export purposes.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, said the ministry remains focused on strengthening interventions aimed at improving the apiculture subsector through sustainable beekeeping practices, enhanced production standards, expanded market access and the protection of pollinator habitats nationwide.
Represented by the Director of Ruminants and Monogastric, Mr. Victor Egbon, she also commended the Youth for Agriculture Initiative (YFAI) for its sustained partnership and support for the annual World Bee Day celebration.
Delivering a goodwill message, Dr. Osas Isokponomu, representing the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, 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 (AfCFTA).
Earlier, the President of the Youth for Apiculture Initiative (YFAI), Mr. Kingsley Nwagwu, called for the establishment of a National Apiculture Policy to drive the growth of Nigeria’s emerging apiculture economy.
The event attracted participants from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, academia, research institutions, development partners, students and other stakeholders in the agriculture and livestock sectors.
