By Njoku Chijioke
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has expressed deep concern over the declining population of bees, warning that it poses a serious threat to global food security and ecological balance.
Speaking at the 2025 World Bee Day celebration in Abuja, Abdullahi Ango, Mandate Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, stressed the critical role bees play in agriculture and nutrition. He noted that bees pollinate more than 75% of food crops and are essential to the livelihoods of millions of farmers.
Ango identified habitat destruction, pesticide misuse, climate change, and unsustainable farming practices as major threats to bee survival. He described apiculture—beekeeping—as a viable commercial venture with great potential, particularly for rural communities, and called for increased adoption of pollinator-friendly practices to protect bee populations and ensure food security.
Themed “Bee Inspired to Nourish Us All,” the 2025 World Bee Day celebration focused on promoting beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood and a tool for environmental preservation.
Also speaking at the event, Caroline Opara, FCT Coordinator of the ACReSAL project, called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and the private sector to advance pollinator conservation efforts.
The event brought together key stakeholders committed to protecting bees and ensuring a sustainable future for the ecosystem.
