BEES IMPORT CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT ACT

What Is This Policy?

An Act controlling the importation of bees and bee-keeping equipment into Nigeria to prevent the introduction of exotic bee species, bee diseases such as American and European foulbrood, and parasitic mites that could devastate Nigeria's honey bee populations.

Who Does It Target?

Apiarists and commercial honey producers Importers of bee-keeping equipment and honeybee colonies Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

To safeguard Nigeria's indigenous and managed bee populations from exotic pests and diseases, protect agricultural pollination services, and preserve the national honey production industry.

Key Features

Import Prohibition: Bans importation of live bees and used bee-keeping equipment without a specific permit. Quarantine Inspection: All imported bee-related items must pass NAQS inspection before release. Disease Monitoring: NAQS inspects apiaries for notifiable bee diseases and pests. Permit System: Exceptional importation requires a permit from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. Penalties: Fines and forfeiture for unlicensed importation of bees or bee equipment.

Current Status

In force. The Act is administered by the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), which regulates bee importation at ports of entry to protect Nigeria's indigenous bee populations from exotic diseases and parasites.

Apply for an import permit from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture where exceptional importation is needed Submit to NAQS inspection on arrival at the port Application method: Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security; NAQS at ports

Important Terms

Permits are subject to strict conditions including post-import monitoring Unapproved imports are confiscated and destroyed False declarations on import documents are a criminal offence

Official Resources

Website: www.naqs.gov.ng Policy Summary Document | Federal Republic of Nigeria

Legal Framework

Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly vested by Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Operates alongside the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (Establishment, etc.) Act, the Agriculture (Control of Importation) Act (Cap A12 LFN 2004), the NAFDAC Act for agricultural chemicals, and the Animal Diseases (Control) Act. Aligns with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH/OIE) standards on bee disease control.