The conflict of interest between the fish farmers of Epe and Renecon Limited, a dredging company operating in the area was amicably settled recently at the Lagos office of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Committee (MIREMCO) when the dredging firm handed out a five million naira support to the farmers.
Recall that the conflict between the two contending parties started in 2024 when several tilapia fishes died and the fish farmers accused Renecon Limited of causing the deaths of the fishes.
However, during a meeting convened by MIREMCO in Lagos, Renecon Limited presented a cheque of N5million to the affected fish farmers to help them support their business.
In his address at the event, the Chairman, MIREMCO, Lagos State, Hon. Sesan Olanrewaju thanked both parties for toeing the path of peace. He also thanked all agencies of government who intervened to make sure peace was restored to the Epe fishing community.
According to Olanrewaju, “Following the conclusion of the investigation by the MIREMCO committee on the above subject matter, we write to inform you that Messrs. Renecon Limited, the dredging company alleged to be responsible for the death of many fishes in Epe, has been cleared of all wrong doing.
“This clearance arises from Laboratory analysis by Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), which clearly showed that only faecal matter was present in the water samples obtained. Secondly, water hyacinth, which formed a green carpet look, contributed largely to the suffocation of the fishes. The dredging site was observed to be over 2km from the shoreline.
“Therefore, the death of caged fish was not due to dredging activities. Rather, the death of these fishes is largely attributable to variables like infection from the unkempt marine environment of the cluster, poor water quality, contamination and heating of the Lagoon due to climate change.
“Consequently, in order to create a harmonious working relationship between the dredging company and the fish farmers, Messrs. Renecon Limited, through the efforts of MIREMCO after mediation, has graciously undertaken to assist with the sum of N5,000,000:00 to sustain the peaceful co-existence between concerned parties and as contribution as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.
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“This feat has been achieved through the tireless works of the MIREMCO committee, as it is saddled with conflict resolution amongst other responsibilities. More can be achieved, if the necessary support is given to the committee, and we thank you for your cooperation.”
On his part, the Managing Director of Renecon Limited, Anthony Gbenro Bademosi who spoke through their legal counsel, Ademola Owolabi stated that, “Today brings to a close a very unfortunate incident in which every conventional and non-conventional means were deployed against Renecon Limited and its dredging operation at Epe Lagos State.
“We are happy that our insistence of a thorough investigation was accepted by Lagos State and today, the result of that investigation has shown that the incident at Epe Fishing Cottage could not have been attributed to dredging activities of Renecon Limited. Even though, the Investigation Report was not given same prominence as the baseless accusation and condemnation of Renecon, we are pleased that truth has prevailed at last.
“As a mark of support for this initiative, Renecon is contributing the sum of N5,000,000.00 (five million naira) to support sustainable fishing in Epe. This payment is not an admission of liability but as a concerned corporate citizen, it is our belief that Lagos will be better when we all contribute our quota to its development.”
