Ogun is set to boost its honey production in commercial quantities and promote non-oil exports, as it partners with the Federal Government in partnership to establish an Apiary Cottage Industry at J4 in Ijebu-East Local Government Area of the State.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola who is also the Chairman of the State Committee on Export Promotion(SCEP) disclosed this in Abeokuta during a “Diagnostic Study on Honey and Honey By-Products” organised by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Abeokuta Smart Office.

Aikulola stated that the Apiary when completed would produce honey in commercial quantities for local consumption as well as export in order to aid the diversification drive of the government, stressing that the country has the potential to realize more from the non-oil export sector.

“Furthermore the oil crisis in the last few years confirms the susceptibility of our economy to oil-related trauma, so, it is imperative that we look inwards and diversify our export base. In light of this, the need to enlighten and educate stakeholders in areas where knowledge in export-related activities can easily be turned to wealth is necessary at this time”, Aikulola said.

He appealed to participants at the Diagnostic Study to leverage the abundant land, human resources and economic opportunities that are available in the Gateway State, assuring that the present administration will continue to create and sustain the enabling environment for total utilisation and development of the natural resources that abound.

In her keynote address, Executive Director/CEO, NEPC, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni said the Council is working on ensuring more traceability of every stakeholder and the processes involved in the honey value chain in accordance with the requirement of the European Union which requires 35 percent honey imports.

Represented by the Director, Product Development Department, NEPC Headquarters, Mrs. Evelyn Obidike, Ayeni disclosed that the Council is targeting June 2024 for the commencement of the exportation of organic honey from Ogun State.

In his goodwill message, President, Gateway Agricultural Association of Ogun State, Professor Adebola Osipitan called for more government support to boost  the production and processing capacity of stakeholders involved in the honey value chain, noting that the world prefer honey from Africa due to its taste and quality.