In a recent oversight mission, the House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils and Ancillary Matters expressed deep concern over the current state of the Bwari Fish Farm Estate in Abuja, describing it as a neglected government project that undermines Nigeria’s food security agenda.

During an on-site inspection, the Committee, led by Hon. Fred Agbedi, criticized the abandonment of what was once a promising aquaculture investment. The visit exposed a complete lack of basic infrastructure, including power supply, water access, drainage systems, and access roads, rendering the facility non-operational.

Government Accountability and Public Trust at Stake

Hon. Agbedi, who represents Bayelsa State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), emphasized that the neglect of the estate contradicts President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of attaining national food security and agricultural sustainability.

“There’s no electricity, no water, no functional roads, and no human resources to manage the farm,” Agbedi noted. “This is a noble idea gone to waste, and we cannot, as a supervisory committee, stand by and watch this continue.”

The estate, originally established to address the country’s heavy dependence on fish imports, was a result of resolutions from the 38th Annual Meeting of the Nigerian National Fisheries Development Committee, as confirmed by Dabit Jonas Agbo, Acting Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department under the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat.

Investors and Residents Disappointed

The committee also voiced empathy for the local investors and residents who had partnered with the government in hopes of contributing to the national food system, only to face disappointment and operational losses.

Agbedi called attention to the absence of adequate security, stating that the lack of protection poses a risk to both the estate and its potential workforce. He urged the Nigerian Police Force, especially the Inspector-General of Police and the FCT Commissioner of Police, to prioritize security at the location.

Minister of State for FCT Summoned

To address these issues, the committee has summoned Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, the Minister of State for the FCT, to appear before them and provide clarity on the reasons behind the estate’s abandonment and discuss actionable plans for its revival.

“The National Assembly will do all it takes, including working directly with Mr. President, to address any administrative or budgetary constraints,” Agbedi assured. “We are committed to seeing this estate functional and contributing meaningfully to local food production.”

The Way Forward

The committee also hinted at holding consultations with residents and farm partners to understand their challenges and collectively develop sustainable solutions. Agbedi stressed the importance of staffing the estate adequately, criticizing the current setup where only one government staff and a NYSC corps member are managing the entire facility.