FAO Adopts New Healthier Method Of Fish Preservation In Nasarawa
By Rabiu Omaku, Lafia
The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has taken a drastic measure to ensure quality, hygienic, sustainable, and environmental friendly means of fish preservation, Country Director Mohamed Magahed has revealed.
He gave the hint during an interactive session with newsmen at the Lafia neighborhood market on Monday 21st, August, 2025.
Magahed stated that the new method was meant to address the menace of environmental destruction caused as a result of the frequent cutting down of trees.
According to the country director, the adoption of the new improved method of fish preservation was meant to address the rising waves of deforestation leading to harsh environment.
He stated that the new method of fish preservation provides an avenue that will mitigate the current harsh environment as well proffer solution to human health.
He stated that the new method of fish preservation was more efficient to support food safety.
According to him, the locally fabricated smoking kit can preserve 200kg of catfish at a go, he in addition affirmed that the new method will be extended to the nations capital, Maiduguri in no distant time.
The representative of Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research (NEOMR), Dr Olayitan Olajuyigbe, in her presentation said the exercise would be extended to more states of the federation.
Dr Olajuyigbe further noted that the removal of eggs and intestine of fresh fish before preservation gives dry fish a long time.
“She said that fish dried under the new method is more healthier than the one smoke with firewood”.
Dr Muhat Salaudeen, the Assistant Director of NEOMR explained that consumers of the old practice of fish preservation are vulnerable to cancer and diabetics.
Salaudeen appealed to fish dealers to maximise their profit by adopting “zero wast in fish processing, saying the egg of fish which mostly were thrown away are dried and serves as supplement to replenish children’s diet.
The state chairman of Fishery Co’operative Federation of Nigeria Limited, Honorable Bashir Mohammed Umar in his remarks lauded the effort of the organisation to bring an improved equipment that is environmental friendly to fish processors in the state.
Bashir Umar said the improved smoking kit that would dry 200kg of fish would go a long way to addressing the harmful and old practice of using firewood to preserve fish.
The state director Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Judas Attah lauded the supporting organisation, the Food and Agricultural Organisation for their gigantic effort.
Fishery Officer Ministry of Agriculture who represented the state director, Ibrahim Mbebu Yamu, appreciated FAO for the kind gesture.