Extend palliatives to us, Ondo fishermen urge govt

Forum 9 months ago

Extend palliatives to us, Ondo fishermen urge govt

The Fishermen Association of Nigeria, Ondo State chapter, has appealed to the state government to include its members in the planned palliatives to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

The fishermen lamented that fuel subsidy removal had taken a toll on their business in form of low patronage.

The National President of the association, Mr Orioye Gbayisemore, stated this in a letter addressed to the Ondo State acting Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, a copy of which was made available to our correspondent on Sunday.

He said, “The removal of subsidy has worsened the situation of the people living in the riverine communities of Ondo State, because it takes an average of 200 litres of petrol at N700, amounting to N120,000, to set out for fishing activities, which is the economic mainstay of the people in the riverine area of Ondo State.

“With the declaration of state of emergency on the food and agriculture sector by President Bola Tinubu, the fishery sector should be considered as a critical sector that provides the cheapest protein source to the common Nigerian and 65 per cent of total consumption rate come from the artisanal fishermen.

“The government of Ondo State should, as a matter of urgency, make our waterway safe for various marine businesses.

“The artisanal fishermen should be given special consideration in the proposed government palliative, supported with input and financial support.”

The fisherman urged the Ondo State government to take a cue from the Federal Government and similarly declare a state of emergency on the dearth of infrastructure in the state.

Gbayisemore also urged the state government to provide safety measures for water travellers in the state, saying fishermen had been having low patronage since a recent boat accident killed five fish traders in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

“Your Excellency, let us bring to your notice that this ugly incident has led to low patronage from the Igbo traders that come to our locality for business transactions as the government has not provided any safety measure for water commuters,” he said.