By Kayode Olabanji, Okitipupa

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Fishermen in Ilaje Local Government area of Ondo State have  planned to embark on an indefinite strike over the  scarcity of fuel.

The Hope Metro gathered that  a coalition of fishermen across the local government council held a meeting, where they reached an agreement  to embark on  indefinite strike.

Investigation conducted by our correspondent revealed that the current scarcity and abnormal increase hike in fuel prices have taken fuel in Ilajeland to N700 per litre, which means a single boat will be buying (N700 by 200) per day, which is equal to N140,000 per boat.

It was learnt that fishermen in Ilajeland buy not less than 200 litres  of fuel for daily fishing or hunting of crayfish, which implies fishermen with many fishing boats like three, will be using close to 600 liters of fuel per day.

A crayfish hunter, Esau Temetan, said, “We have been running into losses and it’s not just a loss but a total loss.

“The coalition of fishermen across the local government has reached an agreement to embark on an indefinite strike. As fuel scarcity bites harder, no crayfish or fish will be available for buying.

Also speaking, a fisherman, Bode Ayedopin lamented that the land is not valued, despite their enormous contribution to the growth of Nigeria’s economy.

“It has never happened that fishermen would embark on any strike, this is the first time,he said”

Ilaje, known as the fish-riched local government has been contributing immensely towards the growth of Nigeria’s Economy from the onset.

Despite being an oil-producing local government, they squarely face agriculture, where fishing is their main area of specialization.