Reps probe strange death of fishes in coastal towns, sale in markets

The House of Representatives on Thursday launched an investigation into the reported strange death of some species of fish in Nigerian waters and their subsequent sale in markets across the country.

The affected species of fish suspected to have been killed either by chemical or environmental pollution, or an unknown infection include the popular croaker fish and Blue Whale.

House committees on Environment, Health and Agriculture have been mandated to carry out the investigation after the House passed a resolution to that effect, following the adoption of a motion sponsored by eight lawmakers.

The motion is seeking the probe of what is killing the fishes, the environmental impact of the strange occurrence, public sensitization on the non-consumption of the affected fishes and the need for government to clean up the polluted rivers.

Passing the resolution, the House raised the alarm over the large quantity of dead fishes found on the nation’s waterways around the shores of the Bonny-Andoni Rivers, several other fishing communities in the Niger Delta region and in Ondo state.

Moving the motion, the sponsors expressed worry that till date, no explanation either from experts or appropriate government agencies has been given for the strange deaths.

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Also, the lawmakers expressed concerns of the possible health consequences of the sale and consumption of the dead fishes by Nigerians and the resultant health implications.

“For instance, residents of the affected areas have already used the affected fishes for domestic consumption while fishermen and traders dried, and sold some to their customers in Bonny, Andoni communities, Kaa, and Port Harcourt markets and several other areas including the Federal Capital Territory,” the sponsors alerted.

However, contributing to debate on the motion, Rep. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, explained that they were alarmed by the sudden death of large number of fishes, popularly consumed by Nigerians along the nation’s coastal towns.

According to him, available reports indicate that the strange deaths occurred few weeks back, when the affected fishes were washed ashore by tidal waves from the high sea.

He described the most affected fish species as croaker, popularly known as ‘Broke Marriage’ and the massive blue whale.

The lawmakers said he was concerned that the residents of the affected areas as well as the fishermen and traders may not have only consumed the affected fishes, but also sold to unsuspecting buyers across the country

Passing the motion, the House, besides calling for a comprehensive investigation, also, urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing system for Agricultural Lending, to provide palliatives and render support aimed at alleviating the challenges of fishermen in the affected areas.

The House further urged the Federal Ministry of Environment to sensitize the people on the dangers of consuming the dead fishes and commence the clean-up of the environment and polluted rivers.

The three House committees to carry out the probe we’re further mandated to liase with the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to implement the House resolutions within six weeks and report back for further legislative action.