How Nigeria can benefit from $285 billion world bees market–Ministry

By Tunde Opalana

Nigeria is set to tap into the global revenue of between $235 billion to $285 billion from.bees pollination market as stakeholders under the coordination of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development urge the Federal Government to elevate beekeeping in Nigeria’s agricultural policy.

The country has progressively lost not less than $3 billion annually in capital flight to importation of honey due to non- coordinated efforts to harness the potentials available in the apiculture industry.

It was the celebration of the Year 2025 World Bees Day, the first of its kind in Nigeria that afforded a convergence of views from stakeholders to draw a roadmap for taking beekeeping as serious entrepreneurial activities capable of shooting national revenue.

Fully supported by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, stakeholders that converged on Abuja on Tuesday, May 20 to mark the global day focussed on the potential of apiculture to boost food security, youth empowerment, and generate appreciable revenue.

Present at the event were the Honourable Minister and Permanent Secretary of the Livestock ministry as well as Directors from related agencies such as NAFDAC, RMRDC, and the Green Wall Authority, private sector partners and environmental advocates.

The 6th Nigerian Youth Beekeepers Summit was the centre stage of the World Bee Day celebration in Abuja with
the Youths for Apiculture Initiative (YFAI) playing active role.

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Facts had it that Nigeria consumes around 400,000 tonnes of honey annually but produces only about 40,000 tonnes locally.

This less than 10% of demand shows a glaring shortfall and the reason why the country heavily rely on imports, at a such huge economic cost.

Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Maiha, announced a bold national strategy that places youth at the heart of revitalizing apiculture across Nigeria.

He highlighted the Ministry plans to include Establishing modern apiaries nationwide, developing standardized procedures to ensure Nigerian honey meets international quality standards, providing technical and structural support to beekeepers and entrepreneurs and expanding training, mentorship, and financial access for youth and women

“Beekeeping is no longer a hobby. It’s a national development strategy,” Maiha said. “Investing in youth means securing Nigeria’s food future—and unlocking billions in economic value,” he said.

Yusuf Adeyemo (FSM), Director-General of the Youth for Apiculture Initiative (YFAI), delivered an inspiring address which aroused the aggregate call for the elevation of beekeeping in Nigeria’s agricultural policy.

Adeyemo charged the government to establish a Department of Apiculture and a National Apiculture Board, similar to successful models in Ethiopia and other African nations.

“Apiculture is more than honey,” he said. “It is about livelihoods, climate resilience, pollination for food security, and unlocking a billion-naira industry that can empower Nigeria’s youth and transform rural communities.”

He emphasized that with proper structure and support, Nigeria could become a global player in the apiculture industry.

The youthful entrepreneur said “this is a call to action. Let us build a future where Nigerian honey competes proudly on the global stage, where young people find purpose and prosperity in apiculture, and where bees are protected as vital guardians of our environment.”

National President of YFAI, Kingsley Nwaogu in his own remark said “this is more than a honey deficit. It’s an opportunity deficit—and we’re here to close it.” He highlighted beekeeping as a powerful, climate-smart enterprise that can empower young Nigerians, women, and displaced communities, while protecting the environment and strengthening food security.

“No bees, no pollination. No pollination, no food. No food, no future,”

Nwaogu called for a shift in mindset among farmers who often view bees as pests rather than essential partners.

The YFAI President concluded by saying “Together we can build a generation of bee-lievers—young Nigerians using apiculture to build wealth, heal the planet, and ‘bee’ the change.”

YFAI, an organization championing youth involvement in beekeeping for the past eight years, used the platform to propose a series of transformative initiatives. These include mobile honey testing laboratories in partnership with NAFDAC to ensure Nigeria’s honey meets international export standards and the establishment of apiary estates across the country as centers for training, innovation, and sustainable production.

On why celebrating the World Bees Day?, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) an organ of the United Nations days observing the day each year, “raises awareness on the essential role bees and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy, and on the many challenges they face today.

“We have been celebrating this day since 2018, thanks to the efforts of the Government of Slovenia with the support of Apimondia, that led the UN General Assembly to declare 20 May as World Bee Day.

“The date for this observance was chosen as it was the day Anton Janša, a pioneer of modern apiculture, was born. Janša came from a family of beekeepers in Slovenia, where beekeeping is an important agricultural activity with a long-standing tradition.

This year’s theme for World Bee Day, “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all”, highlights the critical roles bees and other pollinators play in agrifood systems and the health of our planet’s ecosystems. Stay up to date on speakers, the detailed agenda, and ways to participate in World Bee Day 2025…

On the benefits of beekeeping, the FAO said “Bee farming, or apiculture, significantly contributes to the economy by providing essential pollination services for agriculture, generating income from honey and other hive products, and creating employment opportunities.

“These benefits are particularly important for food security and rural livelihoods, especially in developing countries.

“The global economic value of bee pollination is estimated to be between $235 and $285 billion annually.

“In some regions, pollination services provided by beekeepers contribute significantly to agricultural GDP, as seen in Ethiopia.

“Income Generation and Employment:
Beekeeping provides income for beekeepers through the sale of honey, beeswax, royal jelly, pollen, propolis, and even bee venom.

“It can be a source of reliable income, especially for rural communities.
Beekeeping can create non-gender-biased employment opportunities.

“Other Economic Benefits: Beekeeping can help diversify economies away from over-reliance on traditional sectors like oil.

“It can contribute to poverty reduction and economic stability, particularly in low-income regions.

“The apiculture industry has the potential to boost the overall economy of a region or country when properly developed.”