In a historic first, Nigeria marked World Bee Day with full institutional support from the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, signaling a renewed national focus on the potential of apiculture as a driver of food security, youth empowerment, and environmental sustainability.
At the heart of the celebration was Yusuf Adeyemo (FSM), Director-General of the Youth for Apiculture Initiative (YFAI), who delivered a rousing call for the elevation of beekeeping in Nigeria’s agricultural policy. Addressing dignitaries, ministry officials, private stakeholders, and members of the press, Adeyemo urged 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.”
The event brought together top officials from the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, including the Honourable Minister and Permanent Secretary, as well as Directors from related agencies such as NAFDAC, RMRDC, and the Green Wall Authority. Private sector partners and environmental advocates were also in attendance.
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.
Adeyemo emphasized that with proper structure and support, Nigeria could become a global player in the apiculture industry. “This is a call to action,” he said. “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.”
World Bee Day 2025 marks a turning point for Nigeria’s apiculture sector, as government and grassroots efforts align for the first time to scale what many now recognize as an untapped goldmine for economic growth and ecological balance.