Ogun clamps down on illegal fish farms

In a bid to ensure food and nutrition safety as well as the health of the populace, the Ogun State government has ordered the indefinite closure of an illegal fish farm belonging to Zhongmulfeng Ecological Development Nigeria Limited, located at Oba in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state.

A statement by the press officers of the ministry, Doyinsola Ajisebutu, and Gbenga Moronfolu, quoted the Director of Fishery, Omolara Ojelade, who led the exercise, explained that the farm was shut for non-compliance with registration procedures and suspected use of growth hormones in fish production.

She noted the state was committed to ensuring that food especially animals/protein being produced for consumption is safe and not harmful to human health, which it does through regulatory and monitoring activities of registered farms across the state.

“Though the state government is farmer friendly, it would not condone any untoward practices from any farmer that may be detrimental to the health of the citizens. Individuals, companies, or groups engaging in obnoxious methods of fish farming along the fishery value chain must desist henceforth or face the wrath of the law” Ojelade said.

The director disclosed that the ministry had earlier proceeded on an inspection exercise to the said farm but its officials were denied access to the premises.

She added that the farm was been sealed up because the management refused to regularise their operations after the expiration of the two weeks ultimatum they were issued.