BEES IMPORT CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT ACT 2016

What Is This Policy?

This Act regulates the importation, keeping, movement, and management of bees in Nigeria to protect indigenous bee populations from disease and invasive species, and to support the sustainable growth of the apiculture industry.

Who Does It Target?

Beekeepers and commercial apiarists across all states Importers of live bee colonies, queens, and bee products Honey producers and apiculture cooperatives

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

To safeguard indigenous Nigerian bee species from disease and invasive foreign species, regulate the entry of exotic bee stock, and create the conditions for a thriving, sustainably managed domestic apiculture sector.

Key Features

Import Permits: Requires a valid permit from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture before any live bee colony or queen bee can be imported Disease Surveillance: Empowers authorised inspectors to examine apiaries and take action against colonies found to carry notifiable diseases Movement Controls: Restricts inter-state movement of bee colonies and hive equipment without a valid health certificate Apiary Registration: Requires registration of all commercial bee keeping operations with the relevant state authority Prohibited Species: Designates certain bee species as prohibited imports to protect the genetic integrity of local populations

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active enforcement through state ministries of agriculture and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture Coverage: Nationwide Funding: Federal government budget through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

How to Access

Beekeepers and importers must obtain the required permits before importing bee colonies or moving hives across state boundaries. Application for import or inter-state movement permit submitted to the Federal or relevant State Ministry of Agriculture Veterinary health certificate from the country of origin for all imported colonies Registration of the apiary with the relevant state ministry Application method: Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abuja, or state agriculture ministry offices

Important Terms

Importing bees without a permit is a criminal offence carrying fines and possible imprisonment Failure to report diseased colonies to authorities is an offence under the Act

Official Resources

Website: www.fmard.gov.ng

Legal Framework

Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly vested by Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The Bees Import Control and Management Act 2016 is the operative statute. Operates alongside the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (Establishment, etc.) Act, the Agriculture (Control of Importation) Act (Cap A12 LFN 2004), and the National Livestock Policy. Aligns with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH/OIE) standards on bee health.