Reps Pass Bill for New Fisheries College in Rivers State

On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed a bill to establish the Federal College of Fisheries Technology and Marine Engineering in Ngo, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. This initiative aims to strengthen technical manpower for Nigeria's blue economy.

The bill was based on the report from the House Committee on Ocean and Fisheries, presented by its Chairman, Hon. Akarachi Etinosa Amadi.

The legislation seeks to amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, granting the proposed institution statutory recognition as a federal tertiary institution. The committee conducted a public hearing on July 14, 2025, where stakeholders supported the proposal.

The college will focus on specialized training in fisheries management, aquaculture, and marine engineering, addressing the skilled manpower shortage in Nigeria's maritime sector. It will also promote technical and vocational education in the Niger Delta and support sustainable economic development in riverine communities.

The bill includes three clauses, with the key provision inserting the college into the Third Schedule of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, enabling it to receive federal funding.