The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Capital Territory Area Councils and Ancillary Matters has resolved to interface with the FCT Minister of State, Mariya Bunkure, to revive the Fish Farm Estate in Bwari, Abuja.

The committee made the move after an oversight visit to the facility, which was described as “comatose.”

Chairman of the committee, Fred Agbedi (PDP-Bayelsa), said the state of the facility did not align with the aspiration of President Bola Tinubu’s agenda on food security.

According to him, basic infrastructure, such as electricity, water, drainage systems and access roads, are non-existent, thus rendering the facility dysfunctional.

Mr Agbedi said that the facility has only one staff member who is a corps member serving in the territory.

He also stated that the current state of the estate contradicted the president’s push to turn Nigeria into an agricultural hub and ensure food security.

“The committee has resolved to summon the FCT Minister of State who supervises the agriculture department to appear before it and explain the reasons behind the neglect of the estate,” he said.

Mr Agbedi said the committee would engage relevant authorities, including the president, to address any budgetary or administrative bottleneck.

He directed the acting director of the agricultural department to submit all relevant documents that would aid the committee’s investigation.

The lawmaker also called on the inspector general of police to ensure the safety of lives and property in and around the facility.

He assured that the plight of the fish farm estate would not be overlooked, saying that all relevant arms of government would be engaged to ensure it became fully functional and contributed meaningfully to the FCT’s agricultural goals.

(NAN)