Collaboration between the Abia State government and the State of Israel, facilitated by the Niger Delta Development Commission, is going to change the whole fishing scenario in Nigeria. In order to promote the production of food proteins the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Abia State is collaborating with the Israeli embassy in Nigeria to enhance fish production in the state by training fish farmers in modern methods of aquaculture.
The Israeli aquaculture experts, Dr Itzhak Bejerano and Mr. Igal Magen were on hand to impart their knowledge and expertise to the fish farmers. According to them the fish farming offers an alternative solution to the increasing market demand for fish protein. He also said that fish farming remains the principal form of aquaculture though other methods exist which fall under marine culture.
NDDC Commissioner for Abia State, Mr. Aloysius Nwagboso, explained that the aquaculture project was in line with the master plan of the NDDC which is targeted at bringing sustainable development to the Niger Delta States. He added that the project is people-oriented, conceived not only to empower the Abia people because of the multiplier effect on the economy but also to ensure that the state is carried along in the developmental agenda of NDDC.
According to him the Abia people will be benefited from this project as the NDDC will give every part of the state sense of belonging, stressing that the commission has prioritised its operation by identifying the critical areas that need attention for maximum benefits.
