By Kingsley Samuel
The House of Representatives has advanced efforts to deepen technology-driven growth in Nigeria’s blue economy by recommending the passage of a bill to establish the Federal College of Fisheries Technology and Marine Engineering in Ngo, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The House Committee on Ocean and Fisheries, in its report presented to the House, said the proposed institution would serve as a specialised centre for developing technical skills, innovation and research in fisheries technology, aquaculture and marine engineering.
Presenting the report, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Akarachi Etinosa Amadi, said the bill seeks to amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, Cap A12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to create the legal framework for the establishment of the college.
According to Amadi, the institution is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s technology ecosystem within the maritime sector by producing a new generation of professionals equipped with modern skills in fisheries technology, marine engineering and aquaculture.
He noted that locating the college in the riverine community of Ngo would help bridge the country’s technology and skills gap in the maritime industry, expand access to technical and vocational education, support innovation, and accelerate economic development across the Niger Delta.
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 work.
He disclosed that stakeholders from the maritime, education and regional development sectors, during a public hearing held on July 14, 2025, unanimously backed the proposal, describing it as a strategic investment in technology, human capital development and sustainable exploitation of Nigeria’s marine resources.
The committee chairman explained that the bill comprises three clauses, with the third providing for the inclusion of the proposed Federal College of Fisheries Technology and Marine Engineering in the Third Schedule of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act.
He said the statutory recognition would enable the institution to access federal funding, drive research and innovation, and support the adoption of modern technologies in fisheries and marine engineering.
Following its review, the committee retained all the clauses of the bill without amendment and recommended that the House pass the legislation.
