NGO Urges Government to Support Fishery

The call was made by the president of the organization, Mr. Albert Ibiam, at a workshop in Abuja on harnessing the fishery potential in all the local government areas within the North Central Zone of Nigeria. He said government could only boost fish farming in the country by supporting the farmers through the provision of technical know-how on the modern methods of farming.

He said despite the abundant fishing potential Nigeria is still not self sufficient in fish and depends largely on imported fish. He said fish farming, when revived, will create more employment opportunities as well as serve as a source of income through the production of surplus.

Ibiam said earthed ponds are better recommended for fish farmers, especially in the rural areas since their construction and management is easier.

"The ponds are excavated on a swamp (Fadama) or near a flat river with all-year-round water supply" he said.

He identified poor pricing as a major problem affecting fish production.

"Fish, despite more nutritious than chicken, is yet less expensive" he said.