From Abuja, African Union Inter-Bureau for Animal Resources, yesterday 9, 2016 launched Nigerian Apiculture platform as part of its 13.1 billion Euros bee project in Africa.

At the time of the launching, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, said the honeybee industry was identified as one of the key area that needed economic diversification.

Ogbeh states that, “Global honey yield is estimated at 1.4 million tonnes annually costing about $7 billion.


Therefore, the honeybee industry could contribute to increase agricultural productivity and food security by more than a third through pollination.”

He said about 20,000 beehives would be distributed to farmers this year, adding that the market for the bee products was huge globally.

We have great potential for a vibrant apiculture industry in Nigeria, he said

Honeybee industry can be very profitable as the country aim at diversifying the economy.
But the sector still remains widely untapped as most beekeepers in the rural areas still use outdated techniques of setting fire in production process, he added.

Ogbeh said “Since the inception of this administration, the apiculture sector has been given special attention by the ministry with an Inter-Ministerial Technical Working Committee on honey production and bee health in place.

NAN gathered that “The Bees Importation Act of 2004 is being reviewed by the National Assembly to protect and strengthen local apiculture industry with a budget in the ministry to address developmental issues relating its operation.”

Ogbeh appreciate AU-IBAR continuous support to the government, calling for more support with relevant stakeholders at the Federal, State and Local level in the interest of the industry.

According to the Director of African Union’s Inter-African Union Bureau for Animal Resources, Dr Simplice Mouaba, said the money was a support by the European Union to develop honeybee in Africa.

Mouaba, urged the Federal Government to take ownership of the project because the industry had huge potential for job creation.

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