FG upgrades Mokwa fish processing centre

By Wasilat Ahmad

Following its recognition as the major fish processing community in the northcentral region, Tatabu Community in Mokwa, Niger state now has a federal government fish processing centre to boost its production.
Speaking at the commissioning of the centre recently, the state Commissioner for Livestock and Fisheries, Hon. Haruna Nuhu Dukku called on the farmers to embrace modern innovations in fish production and processing for increased productivity in the fish value chain.
Dukku who unveiled the centre described fish farming as a lucrative business that has provided a huge source of livelihood to the people of the state, emphasizing that the state government under the supervision of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries is poised to exploring more areas of partnership with the federal fovernment and other development partners to boost fish production in state.
According to him, “Agriculture remains the only reliable and guaranteed means of sustenance of our economy as against the oil sector which is dwindling.
“The administration of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has prioritised agriculture particularly livestock and fisheries production.
“Fisheries are an integral part of agricultural sector in Niger state which forms part of Nigeria’s steady annual contribution of 3.5 to 4 percent to GDP over the last decade. We must empower our people with modern means of production.”
Earlier, the Executive Director of Nigeria Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), a parastatal in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Patricia Pessu said the institute selected Tatabu for the project in recognition of its status as a major fish processing community in the region.
She expressed optimism that the smoking fish facility would boost the entrepreneurship and the financial security and well-being of the entire fishery value chain in Tatabu and beyond.
Also, the Tatabu Community Head, Capt. Isah Ndagana (rtd) while commending the government for the recognition accorded to the community assured of judicious utilisation of the centre.
The Fish Processing Centre which can be powered by charcoal, electricity and gas comprises of nine smoking kilns which have the capacity to dry 2,500 kilograms of fresh fish to produce an output of at least 500 kilograms of dry products daily.
Highlight of the event was presentation of certificate of participation in fish smoking to 10 women trainees.