₦airaland Forum

*Honey Queen, Maryam Mahmud Sets Ambitious Production Targets of 5 Tonnes in 2026, Eyes 20 Tonnes by 2030*

Maryam Mahmud, Zoology graduate from the University of Ilorin and Executive Director of Honeyz Depot, the state’s largest honey distributor and operator of Kwara’s only exclusive walk in honey store has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand the company’s honey production operations.

Beyond her executive role, Maryam is also the lead beekeeper, directly managing the production line and ensuring quality at every stage.

Honeyz Depot, which has dominated honey distribution in Kwara State for the past five years, began its honey production line three years ago and is now set to go semi-commercial, targeting 5 tonnes of honey by 2026, with a long term goal of scaling up to 20 tonnes annually by 2030.

Nigeria’s honey market is valued at approximately USD 63.21 million (2024), with demand rising across food, pharmaceutical, and personal care sectors. Yet, the country produces less than 10% of its annual honey consumption, creating a large import gap and costing the economy over $2 billion annually in imports.

Speaking on the expansion, Maryam said, “Our walk in store, before temporary shutdown and distribution network have shown the growing demand for quality honey. Now, we are taking the next step, controlling production, ensuring traceability, and scaling responsibly to meet rising market demand.”

Maryam stated that, Honeyz Depot’s production roadmap will combine owned anchor apiaries with a structured outgrower beekeeper network, designed to maintain quality, expand supply, and reduce import dependency. The initiative is expected to create jobs, support rural livelihoods, strengthen pollination services, and foster sustainable growth, not just further solidifying Honeyz Depot’s leadership in Kwara State’s honey market, but also across Nigeria.