The Nasarawa State Government, on December 12, 2024, hosted a strategic consultative meeting in Lafia aimed at revitalizing the state’s fishing industry. Chaired by Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Nasarawa State Human Capital Development Council, the meeting brought together key stakeholders, including the Director-General of the Nasarawa State Human Capital Development Agency (NSHCDA), Habiba Balarabe Suleiman, and Dr. Sule Attahiru Mohammed, CEO of the National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research (NIFFR).
Representatives from the Nasarawa State Fisheries Cooperative, led by Mohammed Umar, and the Federal University, Lafia, also participated.
The meeting stemmed from a proposal by the Fisheries Cooperative to enhance the sector’s contribution to economic growth and sustainability.
Mohammed Umar emphasized collaboration as vital to equipping fish farmers across the 25 fisheries cooperatives spread over the state’s 13 local government areas. Seven key value chains were identified for immediate development.
Dr. Sule Mohammed underscored the need for detailed data on the cooperatives to inform effective recommendations.
He proposed involving the Fisheries Department of the Federal University, Lafia, for logistical efficiency and technical oversight. Discussions included establishing a revolving fund to provide sustained financial support for fish farmers.
The meeting also addressed cost-effective practices like Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae meal for fish feed and the potential rehabilitation of the state’s three fish ponds.
Other measures discussed included equipping participants with modern tools, setting up a fish milling facility, and exploring maggot production for alternative feed sources.
In her remarks, the DG of NSHCDA, Habiba Balarabe Suleiman, stressed the importance of transparency and accountability to ensure the success of the interventions.
She highlighted the need for cooperative members to adhere to program terms for sustained impact.
As part of the action plan, stakeholders visited Doma Dam to evaluate its potential role in supporting the state’s fisheries revival and long-term sustainability efforts.
The meeting concluded with a call for substantial investment, timely interventions, and attitudinal shifts among stakeholders to ensure the initiative's success.
