IN a bid to resolve the ongoing dispute between fish farmers and a dredging company, Renecon Limited over fish mortality in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) has stepped in to resolve the crisis, ordering both parties to return back to their business activities while the matter is being thoroughly investigated.
This comes after allegations from viral social media video reports by Tilapia fish farmers in Epe, accusing Renecon’s of being the cause of the massive fish deaths in EbuteAfuye Cluster of Epe Local Government Area in Lagos State.
The mediation process which took place in Lagos on Wednesday was chaired by the MIREMCO Chairman, MrSesanOlanrewaju where he noted that the meeting was not aimed at apportioning blames but to address the concerns raised by both parties and find a mutually acceptable solution.
The mediation meeting which held at the Lagos State Government Secretariat, had the Commissioner of Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, HonourableYacoobEkundayoAlebiosu in attendance.
Speaking to Journalists after the close door meeting, the Agbon of Epe, High Chief Dada Yesiru disclosed that the government has issued a directive urging all parties to resume work pending the outcome of the he ongoing investigations.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to resolving the dispute amicably, High Chief Yesiru noted that the Ministry responsible for overseeing the matter has assured both Renecon and the fish farmers that their grievances will be addressed fairly. He however urged patience from all parties involved, affirming that the appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
“The Government has asked everyone to return back to work pending the report of the investigation. The ministry knows the exact thing to do. They have pleaded with Renecon and the Fish farmers assuring that both sides will be sorted. When the result from the investigation is out, we would know who is at fault and who is compensating who,” High Chief Yesiru noted.
Speaking on behalf of the dredgers, the President of Dredgers Association of Nigeria, MrAkpomejeroBatare emphasized 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 factors such as water poisoning and toxidity amongst other likely causes of the unfortunate fish mortality.
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