FAO Adopt A Healthy Method of Preserving Fish In Nasarawa State

Rabiu Omaku

The Food and Agricultural Organization has taken a drastic measure to ensure quality, hygienic and sustainable means of fish preservation which is environmental friendly, the Fishery Officer  of FAO, Mohamed Magahed revealed this.

He gave the hint during an interaction with newsmen at the Lafia neighborhood market on Monday 21st, August, 2025.

Magahed buttresed that the new method was meant to addressing the menace  of environmental destruction caused as a result of the frequent cutting down of trees.

According to FAO Fishery Officer,the adoption of the new improved method of fish preservation was meant to addressing the rising waves of deforestation leading to harsh environment.

Starting further that the new method of fish preservation provides an avenue that will mitigate the current harsh environment as well proffer solution to human health.

He however opined that the new method of fish preservation was more efficient to support food safety, he told Journalists that the locally fabricated smoking Kit can preserve 200kg of catfish at a go, he in addition affirmed that the new method will be extended to the nations capital, Maiduguri in no distance time.

The representative of Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Niomr Dr. Olaiitan Olajuyigbe in her presentation said the exercise would be extended to more States of the Federation.

Dr. Olajuyigbe further buttresed that the removal of eggs and intestine of fresh fish before preservation gives dry fish  a long time.

“She however explained that fish dried under the new method is more healthier than the one smoke with firewood”.

Dr.Mutiat Salaudeen , the Assistant Director of NIOMR explained that consumers of the old practice of fish preservation are vulnerable to cancer and diabetics.

Adding that unhealthy food causes the harmful ailments that is life threatening, as she called on fish processors to shun the preservation of bad fish.

Dr.Salaudeen appealed to fish dealers to maximize their profit by adopting “Zero wast in fish processing, saying the egg of fish which mostly were thrown away are dried and serves as supplement to replenish children’s diet.

The State Chairman of Fishery Co’operative Federation of Nigeria Limited, Honorable Bashir Mohammed Umar in his remarks lauded the effort of the organization to bring an improved equipment that is environmental friendly to fish processors in the State.

Bashir Umar said the improved smoking Kit that would dried 200kg of fish would go a long way in addressing the harmful and old practice of using firewood to preserve fish.

The State Director Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Judas Attah lauded the supporting organization, the Food and Agricultural Organization for their gigantic effort.

Fishery Officer ministry of Agriculture who represented the State Director, Ibrahim Mbebu Yamu appreciate Food and Agricultural Organization for the kind gesture.