President Fisheries Co-operative Federation of Nigeria Blames Successive Governments For Neglecting Aquaculture

Rabiu Omaku

Mr.Anthony Ashagye,the President Fisheries Cooperative Federation of Nigeria Limited has blamed the successive administration at both local, state and federal level for total neglect of fish industry, the President gave the hint at the north-central fisheries awareness rally held at Tunga Akawu Sule in Awe local government of Nasarawa state.

Ashagye in his speech appealed to government at all level to increase the budgetary allocation to fisheries industry, as he further said the fisheries industry contributes more than 60% revenue to the economy, describing fish as the most populous and cheapest animal protein devoid of cholesterol.

“Frequent fish eaters are free from Kwashiorkor and cardio vascular disease including other deadly ailment like hypertension, adding that there is more to gain in water than land.

The Association also called on third tier of governments to include it members in policy planning and execution of projects, Mr Anthony unveiled that the Cooperative will work in hand with the federal, state and local government to ensure fish food security in the zone.

The President further asserted that the federation will continue to persuade the appropriate authorities to yield to the plight of fish folk whose right, freedom and equity have been denied.

The President Fisheries Co-operative Federation opined that the Association is in full support of the “The Green Alternative” fisheries and Aquaculture constitute a major role in the diversification of the economy, adding that the launching of the “Green Alternative” which is the Agriculture promotion policy 2016-2020 of the current regime is a step in the right directions.

Anthony Ashagye listed some of the challenges facing the Federation includes poor budgetary provision, lack of credit facilities, high cost of fish feeds, In addition over 65% fisheries projects across the country are abandoned, calling for the resuscitation of the moribund fish industries.

Sarkin Ruwan Tunga,Yahaya Mohammadu in his address lament the rising spate of water pollution ranging from the use of dynamite and fish poisoning as a major nuisance to Aquaculture, calling on the constituted authorities at all levels to enact laws forbidding water pollution. “Water pollution destroyed fish as well constitute danger to human life”.

The state governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura at the occasion promised to accord topmost priority to fishing activities in the state, the state commissioner for Agriculture, Yusuf Lawee stated.

The governor adviced people of the state on the need to form viable co-operatives, he affirmed that the state government would partner Public Private Partnership to boast fish production in the state.

“The selection of Nasarawa state to host the north-central zone rally and awareness campaign is not a mistake or an exercise in futility; he disclosed that the state would accord impetus to the establishment of fish ponds in the state.

The occasion also witnessed the inauguration of executive of the newly registered Association cut across the zone.