Copyright thenationonlineng
SIR: For too long, the vital yet often-overlooked world of small-scale fishing—what we might call the “little fishing industry”—has been left to drift. It exists in an unregulated limbo, treated less as a commercial activity and more as a free-for-all, resulting in a significant, self-inflicted wound on our national economy. Currently, countless individuals engage in this activity, taking advantage of the free nature of our fish resources. For many, what should be a formalized commercial pursuit has devolved into a simple hobby—an amateur or aquarium-style endeavour that yields personal satisfaction but generates virtually no quantifiable return for the state. This is not merely an oversight; it is a colossal waste of commercial potential. The time has come to shift our perspective on these domestic fisheries. By implementing context-specific efforts, the government can transform these informal activities into commercial enterprises. This transformation would involve developing licensing structures, offering technical training for sustainable harvesting, and facilitating access to commercial-scale markets. Formalizing this sector offers an immediate, measurable benefit: revenue generation. With appropriate development and regulation, the government could finally exercise its legitimate right to collect various taxes—from business registration fees to sales taxes—on an industry currently operating entirely off the books. This is money that belongs in public coffers, ready to be reinvested. Read Also: JUST IN: Court gives Nnamdi Kanu last chance to enter defence or forfeit same The real genius of formalizing the little fishing industry lies in creating a sustainable, self-funding cycle of growth. The money generated through taxation is not simply an administrative gain; it is the seed capital for the sector’s long-term health. These revenues could be strategically deployed to fund the development and facilitation of river systems. Investing in conservation, monitoring river health, managing water quality, and even expanding and maintaining the river environments themselves ensures the fish populations can continue to grow and expand. This investment directly supports continuing growth and safeguards the resources that the new, formal industry depends on. Developing the little fishing industry is more than just collecting taxes; it is a holistic approach to resource management. It converts neglected potential into economic power, secures public revenue, and ensures the environmental foundations of the industry—our rivers and water bodies—are robust enough to support prosperity for generations to come. The window of opportunity is open; we must act now to formalize this crucial sector. Michael Adedotun Oke, Abuja.
