A prominent traditional ruler in Abia State has sounded the alarm over what he describes as a dangerous surge in fake and adulterated honey flooding Nigerian markets, warning that the trend poses serious health risks to unsuspecting consumers while threatening the livelihoods of legitimate beekeepers across the country. Eze Cyril Ogbenna, the traditional ruler of Uzi Amizi autonomous community in Olokoro, Umuahia South Local Government Area, made the stark warning during remarks to journalists on Sunday, coinciding with National Urban Beekeeping Day celebrations.
The traditional leader painted a disturbing picture of sophisticated fraud in the honey trade, revealing that some unscrupulous traders have resorted to placing dead bees inside containers of fake honey to deceive buyers into believing they are purchasing authentic products. He described these practices as economic crimes that not only undermine consumer confidence but also deprive honest beekeepers of their rightful income. Beyond the economic damage, Eze Ogbenna emphasized the potentially devastating health consequences, noting that adulterated honey could contribute to the rising cases of kidney failure, liver damage, and other serious illnesses affecting Nigerians.
Calling for immediate action, the Abia monarch urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, alongside other health regulatory bos and security agencies, to launch coordinated enforcement operations targeting producers and sellers of counterfeit honey products. He stressed that stronger market surveillance mechanisms and enhanced quality assurance protocols are urgently needed to restore integrity to Nigeria’s honey industry. Federal and state governments, he argued, have a responsibility to protect citizens from such unwholesome products entering the food supply chain.
Eze Ogbenna offered practical advice to consumers seeking to avoid falling victim to honey fraud, recommending that buyers purchase only from reputable producers, registered cooperatives, and certified retail outlets. By being more selective about their sources, consumers can simultaneously protect their health, discourage counterfeiters, and support genuine producers who adhere to quality standards. The traditional ruler framed this as a matter of collective responsibility, suggesting that informed consumer choices could help drive bad actors out of the market.
Beyond the immediate crisis, the traditional ruler used the occasion to highlight beekeeping as a promising opportunity for Nigerian youth seeking sustainable livelihoods in agriculture. He characterized the enterprise as relatively affordable to enter, environmentally beneficial, and capable of generating consistent income for those willing to commit to proper training and practices. His remarks reflect a broader push by community leaders and agricultural advocates to diversify Nigeria’s rural economy and create alternatives to urban migration for young people.
The warning comes at a time of increasing concern about food safety and authenticity across Nigeria, where regulatory oversight has struggled to keep pace with a rapidly expanding informal food market. As consumer awareness grows and pressure mounts on regulatory agencies to take decisive action, the honey industry may become a test case for whether authorities can effectively combat food fraud and restore public trust. Whether NAFDAC and its partners will respond with the comprehensive crackdown that Eze Ogbenna and other stakeholders are demanding remains to be seen, but the health and economic stakes have never been clearer.
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