A dredging Company, Renecon Limited has donated N5 million to support fish farmers in Epe, Lagos State, following the conclusion of an official investigation that cleared the company of any responsibility for the reported fish deaths at the State Government Caged Fishing Cluster.
Recall that the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) has urged Epe fish farmers Renecon Limited, a dredging firm located and at that axis, to embrace peace in the ongoing dispute over the deaths of fish in Epe ponds.
This came following allegations in a viral social media video by Tilapia fish farmers in Epe, that the activities of Renecon were responsible for the deaths of the fishes in the Ebute Afuye Cluster in the Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Initially, unverified claims linked the fish deaths to the company’s dredging activities, sparking widespread criticism and media attacks. However, after a thorough review, authorities confirmed that the incident was not connected to Renecon’s operations.
A report presented by the Chairman of MIREMCO, Hon. Sesan Olanrewaju confirmed that Renecon’s dredging activities were not responsible for the fish kill, contrary to initial claims that led to public outcry and media scrutiny.
According to the findings, laboratory analysis conducted by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) revealed that only faecal matter was present in the water samples collected from the affected area. The report also identified water hyacinth, which had formed a dense green layer on the water surface, as a major factor contributing to the suffocation of the fish.
Additionally, investigators noted that Renecon’s dredging site was over 2km away from the shoreline, ruling out any direct link to the incident. The committee further highlighted that the fish deaths were likely caused by a combination of factors, including poor water quality, contamination, infection from an unkempt marine environment, and the effects of climate change, such as the heating of the lagoon.
Hon. Sesan Olanrewaju, Chairman of MIREMCO, commended the resolution process, noting that the committee remains committed to conflict resolution in the sector. He also called for greater support to enhance MIREMCO’s mediation efforts.
To foster harmony between the dredging company, stakeholders, and fish farmers, MIREMCO facilitated a mediation process, after which Renecon voluntarily agreed to contribute N5 million as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The company’s Managing Director, Mr Anthony Bademosi emphasized that the donation was not an admission of liability, but a goodwill gesture to support sustainable fishing in Epe.
While expressing satisfaction with the findings, Renecon who was represented by its Counsel, Ademola Owolabi lamented the reputational damage it suffered due to misinformation and urged government agencies and media professionals to be more cautious in handling environmental issues.
The company reiterated its commitment to environmental responsibility and called for collaborative efforts to address challenges such as water hyacinth infestations, which pose a significant threat to local fish farming.
“This payment is not an admission of liability, but a demonstration of our commitment as a responsible corporate citizen. We believe Lagos will be better when we all contribute our quota to its development,” Renecon stated.
Receiving the N5million donation on behalf of the Epe fish farmers, President of Farmers, Epe LGA, Alhaja Shabi Aminat Shade expressed her heartfelt gratitude, appreciating Renecon for its contribution to support sustainable fishing in Epe despite initial conflicts and controversies.
She also extended appreciation to key stakeholders involved in the investigative process, including the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Mines Office, the Mineral Resources & Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), Epe Local Government, traditional rulers, and the Dredgers Association of Nigeria.
