The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) sensitized manufacturers under the auspices of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) on the economic potential of beekeeping investments in Nigeria.

The Council’s Director-General, Professor Ibrahim Hussaini Doko says it was high time manufacturers looked inward to save finances on importation.

At a one-day workshop on beekeeping in Lagos, the agency says the products including propolis, royal jelly and bee venom are raw materials for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

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He noted, “There is a huge investment in this sector, as it will reduce importation of those products into the country, just like import substitution. If we have vast land and other things that can be used for this particular investment, it will reduce importation, that will save the country a lot of finance, create jobs and avenue for national economic development.”

Segun Kadiri, Director-General of MAN, remarked that manufacturers have been handicapped by the importation of materials for so long, and urged the Council to break down this barrier together.

He further assured, “We are going to mobilize our interested members and help them to access the immediate funds to be able to get more expert opinions and we will guide them to develop to full grown materials”.