By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Fish Pond |
The Lagos State Catfish and Allied Farmers Association (LASCAFAN) has urgently appealed to the state government for help after devastating floods destroyed fish farms, causing losses exceeding ₦150 million.
The disaster struck overnight between August 3 and 4, submerging 12 farming clusters in Ikorodu and leaving farmers in financial ruin.
Olatoye Fajimi, Vice-President and incoming President of LASCAFAN, revealed that a delegation met with the Ministry of Agriculture to submit a distress letter. "We’ve lost fish worth over ₦150 million," Fajimi stated. "We need government intervention to clear clogged canals and provide farming inputs so we can recover."
During the meeting, Fisheries Director Daisy Osinkoya assured farmers that the ministry would collaborate with the Ministry of Environment to address blocked drainage systems. Assessment teams have also been dispatched to evaluate the damage before recommending further support.
Fajimi emphasized that without swift action, food security and hundreds of jobs are at risk. "Many farmers have lost their livelihoods," he said. LASCAFAN thanked the Lagos State Government for past support but stressed the need for immediate aid to prevent a total collapse of the sector.
Officials warned farmers to adopt better flood-prevention measures as climate change increases extreme weather risks. With canals set for clearance and relief efforts underway, catfish farmers remain hopeful for a lifeline to revive their businesses.
(NAN)