Fishermen in Kaduna State have expressed concern over the possible collapse of their trade, blaming government neglect and poor environmental management for threatening their means of livelihood.
Chairman of the Kaduna State Fishermen Association, Malam Dalhatu Ibrahim, said the fishing industry in the state has deteriorated drastically, forcing many fishermen to migrate to other states in search of better opportunities.
The fishermen also accused some crocodile hunters of using machines in their operations, a practice they say kills fish and other aquatic life in the rivers.
According to Ibrahim, the use of such equipment poses a serious threat to both the ecosystem and the survival of small-scale fishermen who depend on natural fish breeding.
Fishermen call for support
Malam Ibrahim appealed to the state government to provide support to fishermen through access to equipment, loans, and environmental protection measures.
“We are calling on the government to assist us by providing support, stopping the dumping of waste into rivers, and protecting our waters from pollution. This is the only way to save our trade from total collapse,” he said.
He stressed that without prompt intervention, the once-thriving fishing business in Kaduna could soon become extinct.
