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His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Governor of Benue State, officially launched a data-capturing campaign for all fishermen in the state. The event, held in Makurdi, was marked by a pledge to address the challenges faced by the fishing community.
Represented by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Paul Bebe, the Governor emphasized his commitment to collaborating with the Fisheries Cooperatives Federation of Nigeria (FCFN) to ensure effective registration of members. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive database to better support the fishermen.
In his welcome speech, the State Chairman of the Fisheries Cooperatives Federation of Nigeria, Alh. Adamu Yahaya Ali praised the Governor’s leadership, noting its significant impact on the lives of ordinary citizens. He also acknowledged the presence of the former Chairman and immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Chief Fidelis Bemsen Mnyim Esq ACArb, for his consistent support during challenging times.
Mrs. Monica Yaaya, Director of Fisheries at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, expressed gratitude to the Governor for establishing the new Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. She highlighted its core mandate to foster linkages with affiliate members, including local governments and international bodies, to promote fisheries and aquaculture.
The National President of the Fisheries Cooperatives Federation of Nigeria, Alh. Lamilu Abubakar commended the Governor for his warm reception and remarkable performance over the past two years. His achievements in transport, health, agriculture, and timely payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities were particularly noted. Abubakar emphasized that the FCFN serves as the apex body for all registered Fisheries Cooperative Societies and Unions under the Nigerian Cooperatives Societies Act 98 of 2004, representing members engaged in various fishing-related activities across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT Abuja.
The National President also announced a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with WEMA Bank PLC, signaling readiness for intensive nationwide fisheries data collection to enhance coordinated benefits.
Challenges highlighted during the event included a lack of credit support, high costs of fisheries and aquaculture inputs, inadequate cooperative education and management, and harassment by security agencies at roadblocks for revenue collection without proper records. In response, Hon. Paul Bebe assured the state government’s commitment to addressing these issues.
The event saw the presence of key figures, including the National Public Relations Officer, National Assistant Secretary, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and other national vice presidents, underscoring the collaborative effort to support Benue’s fishing community.
Reported by Mathias A Washima, Publicity to the SSA on Marine and Blue Economy, on August 29, 2025.
