The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has officially integrated apiculture development into the operational framework of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) during the World Bee Day 2026 celebrations in Abuja. 

This landmark policy decision has been executed because the government was determined to exploit the untapped multi-million naira potential within the honey and derivatives value chain, enhance ecological biodiversity, and diversify Nigeria’s agricultural export portfolio.

The announcement, delivered on behalf of the Minister by the Director of Quality Assurance and Certification, Dr Nurallah Abubakar, underlined that targeted investments and private sector participation are essential to revolutionise the subsector. 

Under the newly aligned NL-GAS framework, the ministry intends to focus heavily on modern training, climate-smart environmental practices, and improved access to agricultural financing for women and young entrepreneurs.

The address highlighted the ecological indispensability of bees as apex pollinators that anchor crop reproduction and bolster climate resilience. 

However, officials warned that domestic bee populations face unprecedented threats from habitat degradation, indiscriminate pesticide usage, and destructive bush burning. To counter these vulnerabilities, the ministry is calling for immediate, structured policy interventions and heightened public awareness.

Further support for the initiative came from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, with representative Mr Mohammad Usman reiterating the drive to increase high-grade honey production for international markets. 

Simultaneously, Dr Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock Development, praised the Youth for Agriculture Initiative (YFAI) for their consistent advocacy. Dr Osas Isokponomu, representing the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, also brought the trade dimensions strategy to the forefront. 

He affirmed that the federal government remains fully committed to boosting export competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. Earlier in the proceedings, the President of the YFAI, Mr Kingsley Nwagwu, urged the immediate drafting of a dedicated National Apiculture Policy to serve as the legal bedrock for this emerging green economy.

Source: Vanguard News
Image Credit: FMLD