Stakeholders call for collaborative efforts to boost Nigeria’s maritime tourism
By Seun Ibiyemi
Tourism stakeholders have urged for a multi-sectoral approach involving various actors in the blue economy sector to enhance Nigeria’s maritime tourism.
The call was made during a one-day seminar on the “Development of National Blue Economy and Coastal Biodiversity in Tourism,” which took place this week in Abuja. The event, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, was organised by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE) in partnership with the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN).
Experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders gathered at the seminar to explore the crucial role of the blue economy and coastal biodiversity in the development of sustainable tourism.
The participants stressed the need for greater collaboration among stakeholders in the marine ecosystem to capitalise on the economic potential of Nigeria’s coastal regions.
Maritime tourism, they explained, includes a range of sea-based recreational activities and experiences such as cruising, boating, yachting, and nautical sports, along with the necessary supporting infrastructure and services.
The stakeholders called for collaboration between public and private sector players to ensure the sector generates economic benefits for coastal communities and contributes to the country’s national income.
Mr Abiodun Odusanwo, President of ITPN, pointed out that as Nigeria’s coastal areas continue to attract millions of visitors annually, it is essential for stakeholders to work together to balance economic growth with the preservation of delicate marine ecosystems.
He identified several challenges hindering the development of the blue economy in Nigeria, including inconsistent government policies, lack of scientific data, unrestricted access to resources, climate change impacts, and over-exploitation of marine resources.
Odusanwo stressed that the government needs to invest in key infrastructure such as modern ports, coastal roads, and waste management systems to unlock the potential of the blue economy.
“Nigeria, with its 850-kilometre coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and rich marine resources, is well-positioned to develop a thriving blue economy,” he said. “The government plays a crucial role in promoting this sector by establishing a supportive policy and legal framework, developing essential infrastructure, and ensuring safety.”
He also highlighted the importance of the private sector and local communities in driving the growth of the blue economy.
“The private sector plays a vital role as the engine of the blue economy, bringing investment, innovation, and expertise,” Odusanwo explained.
“They invest in crucial infrastructure such as hotels, resorts, marinas, and recreational facilities. Local communities, on the other hand, are the custodians of Nigeria’s coastal and marine resources, ensuring that tourism development is inclusive, sustainable, and respectful of local cultures.”
Mr Abari Ahmed, Assistant Director of Marine Environment Management at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), stressed the importance of community engagement in the development of Nigeria’s maritime tourism.
“Local communities are key stakeholders who must be involved, particularly the youth, as they will benefit from job creation in the sector,” Ahmed said. “We must also foster partnerships across various agencies in the blue economy ecosystem, including non-governmental organisations.”
Dr Abisoye Fagade, Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), commended the organisers of the event for discussing how Nigeria’s coastal and marine resources can be leveraged for national income. Fagade, represented by Dr Edwin Enenta, Director of Tourism Studies at the institute, noted that tourism is a collaborative effort and will thrive when both public and private sector actors are involved.
In her opening remarks, Mrs Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, Director overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary at FMACTCE, explained that the seminar aimed to unlock the vast potential of Nigeria’s coastal and marine resources.
“With our extensive coastline and vibrant coastal communities, it is crucial to position tourism as a key driver within the country’s Blue Economy framework,” she said, as represented by Mr Tony Ukpoju, Assistant Director of Tourism. “Our coastal biodiversity is a heritage to be treasured and a catalyst for cultural expression, eco-tourism, and heritage preservation.”
Akudo-Nwosu concluded by noting that the seminar served as a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and policy alignment between public and private sectors, researchers, and local communities.
“Through multi-sectoral collaboration, we can develop a resilient, sustainable tourism sector that protects our marine ecosystems and improves the livelihoods of coastal populations,” she added.
