A Step Closer to Food Security: Senator Joel -Onowakpo’s College of Fisheries Bill Passes Second Reading

Franklin Oboh, Port Harcourt

The Nigerian Senate has taken a significant step towards promoting the country’s fisheries sector by passing the second reading of a bill to establish the Federal College of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies in Emede.

The development is expected to boost the nation’s aquatic research, education, and training capabilities, ultimately contributing to food security, job creation, and environmental sustainability.

The Bill, sponsored by Distinguished Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, representing Delta South Senatorial District, marks a bold step toward agricultural innovation and economic diversification in Nigeria.

The proposed institution, to be sited in Emede, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, is expected to become a centre of excellence for research, education, and training in fisheries and aquatic sciences; sectors that are crucial for food security, employment generation, and environmental sustainability.

The Bill, officially titled “Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill 2023,” was presented to the Senate on 4th October 2023. On Wednesday the Senate passed the bill for a second reading alongside similar bills by other Distinguished Senators who are seeking to also amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act.

The Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, His Excellency, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over plenary, subsequently referred the bills to the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions with a directive to report back to the Senate in one week.

Reacting to the progress of the Bill, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, expressed his commitment to people-centered legislation, emphasizing the transformative potential of the proposed college.

He said the college will contribute immensely towards the actualization of food security and agricultural development in the country.

He further highlighted the broader national significance of the bill, noting: “This Federal College Bill, when passed into Law, holds several important benefits in advancing agriculture and aquaculture development in Nigeria. It shall play a pivotal role in advancing education, research, and development in the fisheries and aquatic sector, thereby benefiting the economy, environment, and Nigerian society as a whole.”

The Bill aligns with national efforts to diversify the economy through increased investment in non-oil sectors, particularly agriculture and fisheries. Experts believe that such institutions will not only foster innovation and build local capacity but also help Nigeria tap into the multi-billion-naira global aquaculture industry.

For Delta South, the establishment of the Federal College of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies will undoubtedly catalyse infrastructural development, increase youth employment opportunities, and enhance local economic activities.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo has reaffirmed his legislative vision, saying, “I want to reassure you of my commitment towards making people-oriented laws, that will bring the needed development and growth, that our country desperately needs, to create an enabling environment where businesses thrive.”

The Senate is expected to receive the committee’s report next week, with stakeholders across Delta South and the wider agricultural community watching closely as the Bill progresses toward final passage.