By Ify Mgbemena
Nigeria, blessed with diverse ecosystems and rich floral resources, boasts a burgeoning community of over half a million small-scale beekeepers.
Yet traditional basket hives and seasonal management have left annual honey output far below both domestic needs and the industry’s growth potential.
Unlocking this sector could bolster rural incomes, strengthen food security through enhanced pollination, and position Nigeria as a leader in sustainable honey production.
Speaking with AgroNigeria in an exclusive interview, Animal scientist and beekeeper, Joel Emmanuel Benson described how he has reimagined his Apiary in Abuja using climate-adapted hive designs tailored for Apis mellifera adansonii.
By replacing antiquated basket hives with locally tested frame hives and deploying precision feeding alongside year-round, technology-assisted monitoring, Benson has drastically reduced pest invasions and disease outbreaks.
These measures have stabilized brood development and revived honey yields that once teetered on the brink of collapse.
Confronted by the twin threats of indiscriminate pesticide use and shifting weather patterns, Benson has championed fully non-chemical pest management.
He conducts farmer workshops to demonstrate bee-safe bio-agrochemicals developed in Nigerian research institutions, while piloting organic, university-backed alternatives on his farm.
“Embracing eco-friendly practices is not a luxury but a necessity,” he said, noting that his organic honey commands premium prices and contributes to local biodiversity conservation.
Benson’s rapid ascent owes much to the Youths for Apiculture Initiative (YFAI), where he gained hands-on training and mentorship. “Proper instruction is the first form of capital,” he advised aspiring youth beekeepers.
“Start with what you have, innovate around challenges, and leverage peer networks to scale up.”
However, during the 2025 World Bee Day celebration and 6th Nigerian Youth Beekeepers Summit, Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukthar Maiha reiterated the ministry’s commitment to modern beekeeping.
Citing this year’s theme, “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all”, he announced that a draft Standard Operating Procedure for Nigerian apiculture is awaiting final validation and pledged Ministry support for establishing modern, climate-resilient apiaries nationwide.
Looking ahead, Benson envisions a network of community-level processing hubs where young beekeepers can pool resources for quality control, packaging, and market access.
“Our ambition is to transform underutilized apiaries into engines of rural prosperity,” he said.
With science-driven innovation, youth engagement, and emerging policy frameworks, Nigeria’s honey industry is poised for a renaissance one where every hive contributes to economic empowerment and environmental stewardship.
