Agriculture
NFAN Gets New Leadership, FG Demands Unity, Transparency and Accountability
The Federal Government has charged the newly elected Executive of the National Fish Association of Nigeria (NFAN) to promote unity, transparency, accountability and inclusiveness in running the affairs of the association.
The Director of Commodities and Export Department, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Usman Bokani, gave the charge in Abuja during the formal presentation of the newly elected executives of the association, led by its President, Dr. Ladan Aliyu, to the Ministry following its recently conducted election.
Mr. Bokani welcomed the new executives and commended the association for conducting a free, fair and credible election, which led to their emergence, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to responsible leadership and democratic principles.
The Director, represented by a Deputy Director in the department, Mrs. Felicia Udeh, reminded the executives that their election was both an honour and a responsibility, stressing that they must put in their best to come up with ideas that would move the country and the association forward.
“I encourage you all to promote unity, transparency, accountability and inclusiveness to ensure that the interest of the wider membership remains central to your activities. So that it will not be between some few people. Let it be a wide range, holistic, that is when you can move forward.
“Because one thing we are trying to avoid is litigations. We’ve seen so many associations at the end of the day, they end up in litigation because they are not agreeing. It’s either the Exco is not carrying the member or the Excos have divisions among them.
“And we have been preaching so hard that we don’t want such to come up again. So that is why we are telling you here that you have to work as a family. If you have agreed to come together as an association, you should also agree to work holistically.”
The President of the National Fish Association of Nigeria (NFAN), Dr. Ladan Aliyu, thanked the Ministry and other stakeholders for their support, saying that the inauguration marked a significant milestone in uniting stakeholders to promote sustainable development of fishery and aquaculture in Nigeria.
“As we begin this new chapter, let us remain committed to unity, professionalism, collaboration and the advancement of the fishery sector. Together we can create greater opportunities for our members, improve fish production, strengthen livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s food security and economic development.”
Dr. Aliyu called on members to embrace the spirit of “One Fish, One Voice” to improve fish production, strengthen livelihoods and contribute to Nigeria’s food security and economic development.
On the high cost of fish in the market, the President attributed the development to the depreciation of the naira and dependence on importation.
Dr. Aliyu explained that imported fish, including Titus, Mackerel and Sardine, are bought with dollars like petrol, adding that the fall in the value of the naira had forced marketers to increase prices.
He explained that Nigeria requires about three million metric tonnes of fish annually, but currently produces less than a quarter of that, with importation covering only half of the shortfall, leaving a significant gap.
“Actually, we have to come together as a formidable and sustainable cooperative society. When we do that, we train the farmers, we make sure that the government comes in as a partner, to help with other input that we require and the policies that we need for the fish. That will help in improving the production.”
Also, the Deputy President of the association, Mr. Adewale Adeogun, said the rise in the price of Titus is a global phenomenon and not peculiar to Nigeria, noting that world prices are skyrocketing. He expressed optimism that government policies would help bring down prices.
The representative of the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN), Pastor Isaac Ojonugwa, congratulated the new executives and pledged its support, urging them to work with their predecessors and link members along the value chain for the growth of the sector.