In celebration of World Bee Day 2025, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing apiculture in Nigeria through the establishment of modern apiaries and provision of structural and technical support to beekeepers nationwide.
The pledge was made during the 6th Nigerian Youth Beekeepers Summit held in Abuja, organized by the ministry in partnership with the Youth for Apiculture Initiative. This year’s theme, “Bee Inspired by Nature to Nourish Us All,” underscores the critical role of bees in environmental sustainability and food security.
Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar, represented by Director Victor Egbon, emphasized the ecological and economic importance of bees, noting their role in pollinating over 75% of global food crops. He warned, however, that pollinator populations face serious threats from habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change, calling for coordinated efforts to protect bees and their habitats.
“The ministry recognizes apiculture as a vital contributor to agriculture and economic development,” Mukhtar said. “We are ready to provide leadership and unlock the immense potential of Nigeria’s honey bee industry.”
He added that the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reflects a strategic move to revitalize all subsectors of animal agriculture, including beekeeping.
Yusuf Adeyemi, Director General of the Youth for Apiculture Initiative, highlighted the summit’s impact over the last six years, especially in empowering youth through commercial beekeeping training. He urged the government to elevate apiculture to a standalone department and establish a national Apiculture Board, citing successful models in Ethiopia and other African nations.
The event also featured goodwill messages from representatives of the Federal Ministries of Agriculture, Trade and Investment, and NAFDAC, all of whom reiterated the importance of collaboration in scaling up Nigeria’s apiculture sector.
World Bee Day is marked globally to raise awareness of the importance of bees and other pollinators to food systems, biodiversity, and livelihoods.