FG Targets 15million Tons of Fish for Export

*Distributes 368 empowerment equipment to women in 15 states

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The federal government, through its poverty alleviation and increased entrepreneurship programme, is targeting the production of 18 million tons of fish, of which 15 million will be exported to other countries.

It has also purchased and distributed 368 empowerment equipment for women in 15 states comprising of the nation’s six geopolitical zones.

The machines include garri processing and frying machines, industrial sewing machines, fish smoking machines, four thousand litres fish bucket and rice milling machine amongst others.

Disclosing this yesterday in Abuja, the minister of women affairs, Uju Kennedy- Ohanenye said with only 10 percent of women own property. She said the initiative will open doors of entrepreneurship and subsistence for women who are majorly below the poverty line.

The government urged Nigerians to come on board the portal it had created for registration.

She said that already, the ministry was in talks with the military and other ministries such as education and agriculture for the provision of security, seedlings and mire machines for the empowerment of more women.

“The ministry is interested in getting women to farm, which insecurity has prevented. With this, we have partnered with the army towards providing security as they engage in farming, and the provision of tractors. With this, the price of food items is bound to come down.

“With only 10 percent of women owning properties, we hope to change the story through the medium of inclusivity as that is not good enough.

“Nigeria needs two million tons of fish, but we are targeting 15 million for the purpose of export. It will be available and affordable. We are not after profit, but working towards abundant food in the nation,” she added.

The beneficiary states are Anambra, Kano, Rivers Imo, Lagos, Oyo, Katsina, Gombe, Kebbi, Adamawa, Ebonyi, Niger, Bayelsa, Benue and Jigawa.