- Urges FG to support small-scale operators for fish production
From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
A University Don, Prof. Mabel Ipinmoroti, has disclosed that Nigeria has the potential to produce over 2.5 million tonnes of fish annually if available resources are well utilised.
She lamented that the mining fields within the river basins of Osun river has been associated with loss of water quality for all purposes, aquatic habitat degradation and loss of livelihood.
Prof. Ipinmoroti also lamented the state of coastal and inland water resources in Nigeria and called for urgent attention and full restoration.
Ipinmoroti who is a Professor of fisheries management at Osun State University, also recommended enactment of laws and policies to regulate fishing activities, posted that every states should enact laws for the management of water resources while local government councils and communities should have guidelines and codes for the use of their fisheries resources.
Delivering the 25th inaugural lecture of Osun State University titled: “Beyond the Surface: The quest for solutions to sustainable fish production in Nigeria,” at the Osogbo main campus, Ipinmoroti called for reorganization of fisheries department for effectiveness and efficiency.
She specifically advised Governor Ademola Adeleke to be more concerned about the fate of river Osun and pay attention to the condition of a portion of the river with heaps of refuse dungs along the river.
According to her, major actors in fish production in Africa and other developing countries are small-scale operators, saying they need to be encouraged to form groups and associations to be able to access credit facilities.
“Obviously and undoubtedly, the coastal and inland water resources of Nigeria need serious attention. There is need for full and urgent restoration. I recommend government funding of regular data collection and adoption of integrated approach for the restoration and management of the fisheries resources of Nigeria.
“Specifically, Osun State need to embark on massive cleaning of water ways and campaign against refuse dumping along water courses.
“The attention of His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Osun State, Sen. Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke is humbly drawn to the condition of the portion of River Osun within the state. Incidentally, the state took her name from the river and so should be more concerned about the fate of the river, a once rich habitat for aquatic resources, a place of tranquillity and serenity, River Osun is many things to different people and needs to be salvaged from her oppressors and those who despitefully use it,” Ipinmoroti said.
She, however, called for a change of attitude towards the use of our water resources, saying “The fisheries resources of Nigeria are not incapable of producing fish at sustainable levels.
“However, such resources have been incapacitated by the stress imposed on them by the users, who do not mind the consequences of taking the mother hen, the general populace who do not care what befalls the waterways so long as they satisfy themselves in the short run, the authority who care less about equity in resource allocation and all who care less about the future,” Ipinmoroti added.
She expressed displeasure over refusal of states to promulgate laws, governing their waters, saying “Only few states have edicts.
“Fisheries resources are governed by traditional institutions which are weak and localised in scope. It is not certain if any state has a recent edict for the management of the aquatic resources within their jurisdiction. States such as Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Kwara, Edo, Delta, Benue, Niger, Plateau and Sokoto have edicts that are not yet fully implemented,” she added.