Gilbert Ekugbe
In a bid to resolve the ongoing dispute between fish farmers and a dredging company, Renecon Limited, over fish mortality rate in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) has stepped in to mediate the situation ordering both parties to return to their business activities while the matter is being thoroughly investigated.
This followed allegations in viral social media video reports by Tilapia fish farmers in Epe that implicated Renecon’s activities as the cause of the fish deaths in Ebute Afuye Cluster of Epe Local Government Area in Lagos State.
The mediation process that took place in Lagos was chaired by the Chairman of MIREMCO, Mr. Sesan Olanrewaju, who stated that the meditation was not to apportion blames, but to address the concerns raised by both parties and find a mutually acceptable solution.
The committee, as well as the Lagos State Commissioner for the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Honourable Yacoob Ekundayo Alebiosu, who was also present at the resolution meeting urged everyone involved to return to work while awaiting the outcome of the investigation.
Speaking to journalists after the close door meeting, the Agbon of Epe, Mr Dada Yesiru, disclosed that the state government has issued a directive that urged all parties to resume work pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
Yesiru emphasised the government’s commitment to resolving the dispute amicably and noted that the ministry responsible for overseeing the matter has assured both Renecon and the fish farmers that their grievances would be addressed fairly.
Speaking on behalf of the dredgers, the President of Dredgers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Akpomejero Batare, emphasised the need for a scientific investigation to determine the cause of the fish mortality.
Batare also highlighted the importance of impartiality and urged for a thorough examination of some critical factors such as water poisoning and toxicity amongst other likely causes of the unfortunate fish mortality.
