Amb. Lot Egopija, Consul-General of Nigeria in New York has described bee farming as an ” untapped gold mine” in Nigeria capable of generating more than 10 billion US dollars in annual revenue for the country.
Egopija said this in a message to the World Bee Conference organised by the Nigeria-USA Chamber of Commerce in Cleveland, Ohio.
The envoy explained that a barrel of honey cost more than a barrel of crude oil, which is currently Nigeria’s black gold.
“Bee farming is an untapped gold mine in Nigeria as a barrel of honey cost more than a barrel of crude oil.
“It is estimated that the industry can generate over ten billion dollars annually.
“In addition to honey, bee farming yields by-products such as beeswax, bee venom, and propolis that have industrial use in the pharmaceutical, food and beverage industries.
“Research has shown that quality bee farming is viable in the rural areas of at least eight states across Nigeria,’’ he said.