ARDS Secretary, Malam Hamza Adamu Buwai, told AllAfrica.com that despite the huge natural fish resources, evidenced by the network of rivers, streams, natural and man-made dams in the territory, fish production is low.
He said the situation portends grave concerns as fish is widely acclaimed to be the principal source of safe protein and provides many important nutritional benefits.
He added that the scheme is aimed at improving the socio-economic status of fishermen in the FCT, adding that emphasis has always been on marketers and those in the capture sector.
"Due to the recent interest and awareness in aquaculture, the secretariat has widened the scope of inputs given to fisher folks in order to accommodate farmers," he stated.
In his address, Permanent Secretary of FCT, Dr. Biodun N. Olorunfemi, who represented the FCT minister of state, said the FCT Administration recognises the growing demands for fish products due to the rapid increase of the population in the territory.
He informed that the territory intends to be self-sufficient in fish and other aquaculture products in the next few years and will put in place a viable strategy to achieve it.
Expanding Fish Production In Nigeria
NIGERIA - The FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS) has distributed fishery inputs worth N12 million (US$78,000)) to fishermen in the territory in order to increase fish production.