HOW I OVERCAME: Maryam Mahmud: From Obscurity To Limelight Via Honey Business

At a time when her colleagues are roaming the streets in search of nonexistent jobs, Maryam Mahmud, a Zoology graduate from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), is not only adding value to herself; her business is also benefiting the immediate and larger society.

From scratch, she has groomed herself to become the executive director of Honeyz Depot, blazing the trail as the largest honey distributor in Kwara State and the operator of the state’s only exclusive walk-in honey store.

Unlike her peers, Maryam Mahmud is not carried away by these feats as she has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand the company’s honey production operations: five tonnes of honey by 2026, with a long-term goal of scaling up to 20 tonnes annually by 2030.

Beyond her executive role, Maryam also serves as the lead beekeeper, directly managing the production line and ensuring quality at every stage.

It is on record that Honeyz Depot has dominated honey distribution in Kwara State for the past five years. It began production three years ago and is now set to transition to semi-commercial status, targeting 5 tonnes of honey this year.

Why the choice of the honey business? Nigeria’s honey market is valued at approximately $63.21 million (2024), with demand rising across the food, pharmaceutical and personal care sectors. Yet, the country produces less than 10% of its annual honey consumption, creating a large import gap and costing the economy over $2 billion annually in imports.

Commenting on the planned expansion, Maryam said, “Our walk-in store, before the temporary shutdown and distribution network, has shown the growing demand for quality honey. Now, we are taking the next step, controlling production, ensuring traceability and scaling responsibly to meet rising market demand.”

According to her, Honeyz Depot’s production roadmap will combine owned anchor apiaries with a structured out-grower beekeeper network, designed to maintain quality, expand supply and reduce import dependency.

The initiative is expected to create jobs, support rural livelihoods, strengthen pollination services and foster sustainable growth, not just further solidifying Honeyz Depot’s leadership in Kwara State’s honey market but also across Nigeria.