The Rivers State House of Assembly has taken the first legislative step towards re-establishing the Government Sea School, Isaka, as a maritime and vocational training institution in Okrika Local Government Area.
The House, at its 69th legislative sitting on Tuesday, October 20, gave first reading to a bill seeking to repeal the Rivers State Sports Institute Law and enact a new law to restore the sea school with an updated mandate.
The proposed legislation is also intended to provide a legal framework for the institution’s governance, funding and administration, as well as other matters connected with its operations.
Presenting the bill, the member representing Okrika Constituency, Linda Somiari-Stewart, said the proposed law was designed to reposition the institution to meet contemporary maritime standards and the growing demands of the blue economy. The bill is co-sponsored by Arnold Davids, Tonye Adoki, Enemi George, Igwe Aforji, Azeru Opara and Nkemjika Ezekwe.
The proposed re-establishment of the school comes amid growing recognition of the need to develop technical and vocational skills to support Nigeria’s maritime industry, particularly in the Niger Delta, where watemrways, shipping, fishing and other marine-related activities are central to economic life.
A functional maritime training institution in Isaka could provide opportunities for young people to acquire practical skills relevant to the maritime sector, while helping to develop the skilled workforce required for activities such as marine operations, vessel maintenance, safety and other technical services.
The blue economy, which encompasses the sustainable use of ocean and other aquatic resources for economic growth, livelihoods and employment, has increasingly attracted attention as a potential source of investment and job creation in coastal communities.
However, the proposed legislation must proceed through the remaining stages of the legislative process before it can become law. The first reading marks the formal introduction of the bill and does not amount to its passage.
Earlier, the Speaker of the House, Martin Chike Amaewhule, welcomed members to plenary, including the three lawmakers who had been recalled to resume their legislative duties.
The development comes as the Assembly continues its legislative business amid efforts to ease the political tensions that have affected governance in Rivers State.