The House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill seeking to establish the Federal College of Fisheries Technology and Marine Engineering in Ngo, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The bill was passed following the consideration and adoption of the rerport of the House Committee on Ocean and Fisheries, presented by its Chairman, Hon. Akarachi Etinosa Amadi, during plenary.
Presenting the report, Amadi recalled that the House debated the general principles of the bill on May 7, 2025, before referring it to the committee for further legislative action.
He said the committee conducted a public hearing on July 14, 2025, where key stakeholders in the maritime, education and coastal development sectors considered the proposal.
According to him, participants unanimously supported the bill, citing its potential to strengthen Nigeria’s blue economy, develop skilled manpower and promote economic growth in the Niger Delta.
Amadi explained that the proposed institution would provide specialised education and training in fisheries technology, aquaculture and marine engineering, while addressing the shortage of technical expertise in the maritime sector.
He noted that the bill seeks to amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, Cap A12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to provide the legal framework for the establishment of the college.
The lawmaker further explained that the legislation comprises three clauses, with Clauses 1 and 2 providing the statutory basis for the amendment, while Clause 3 inserts the proposed institution into the Third Schedule of the Principal Act.
He said the inclusion of the college in the schedule would confer legal recognition on the institution, enabling it to access federal funding and operate as a specialised tertiary institution dedicated to fisheries technology and marine engineering.
Following clause-by-clause consideration, the House adopted the committee’s recommendations Andy passed the bill.
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