FG Moves to Integrate Beekeeping Under NL-GAS Initiative

News in Brief:

—Nigeria will integrate apiculture development into the NL-GAS programme to strengthen honey production, value chain development, and youth participation.

—Stakeholders at the 2026 World Bee Day celebration highlighted the critical role of bees in food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to integrating apiculture development into the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) as part of broader efforts to unlock opportunities within the country's livestock value chain and promote sustainable agricultural development.

The commitment was announced by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, during the 2026 World Bee Day celebration held in Abuja.

FG to Strengthen Apiculture Under Livestock Transformation Agenda

Delivering the minister’s keynote address, the Director of Quality Assurance and Certification, Dr Nurallah Abubakar, said the Ministry of Livestock Development recognises apiculture as a strategic subsector capable of contributing to economic growth, job creation, and food security.

According to him, adding apiculture to the initiative will support sustainable beekeeping practices while expanding opportunities for investment and value addition.

He noted that the livestock value chain can be transformed through innovation, private sector participation, youth empowerment, and targeted investments.

Focus on Value Chain Development and Market Access

Abubakar explained that the ministry's strategy will focus on strengthening honey and bee product value chains through improved research, training, extension services, financing, and market access.

He added that the government also plans to encourage climate-smart agricultural practices and create greater opportunities for women and young people to participate in commercial beekeeping.

According to him, these interventions would improve productivity, enhance rural livelihoods, and increase apiculture's contribution to the national economy.

Bees Critical to Food Security and Biodiversity

The ministry emphasised the importance of bees beyond honey production, describing them as essential pollinators that support agricultural productivity and ecosystem health.

Abubakar noted that bees play a vital role in crop reproduction, food security, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability.

He stressed that protecting bee populations remains critical to ensuring long-term agricultural productivity and ecological stability.

The ministry also raised concerns about the growing threats facing bee populations globally.

According to Abubakar, climate change, habitat loss, environmental degradation, bush burning, indiscriminate pesticide use, pests, and diseases continue to endanger pollinator populations.

He called for stronger policy interventions, increased public awareness, and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to address these challenges and promote sustainable environmental practices.

Agriculture Ministry Backs Honey Production Expansion

Also speaking at the event, Mohammad Usman, a representative of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to increasing apiculture production for both domestic consumption and export markets.

He noted that expanding the apiculture industry could contribute significantly to agricultural diversification, export earnings, and rural economic development.

Ministry Pledges Support for Beekeepers

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, reiterated the ministry’s commitment to supporting interventions that will strengthen the apiculture subsector.

Represented by the Director of Ruminants and Monogastric, Victor Egbon, she said government efforts would focus on improving production standards, promoting sustainable beekeeping practices, protecting pollinator habitats, and expanding market opportunities for beekeepers.

She also commended the Youth for Agriculture Initiative (YFAI) for its continued partnership and support for the annual World Bee Day commemoration.

Stakeholders advocate stronger collaboration

Participants at the event stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, private sector operators, research institutions, and development organisations to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s apiculture industry.

Stakeholders noted that with appropriate investment, policy support, and awareness campaigns, apiculture can become an important contributor to food security, environmental sustainability, employment generation, and rural economic growth across the country.