Tourism stakeholders have emphasised the importance of multi-sectoral collaborative efforts among various actors in the blue economy sector to advance Nigeria’s maritime tourism.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the stakeholders made the call at a one-day seminar on “Development of National Blue Economy and Coastal Bio-diversity in Tourism” on Wednesday in Abuja.
A cargo ship loaded with colourful containers sails the open sea, carrying goods across the globe
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACCE), in partnership with the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), organised the event at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre. It gathered experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to examine the pivotal role of the blue economy and coastal biodiversity in promoting sustainable tourism development.
According to them, stakeholders in the marine ecosystem need to work together to harness the economic opportunities the coastal regions offer across Nigeria.
They said that maritime tourism encompasses a variety of sea-based recreational activities and experiences, including cruising, boating, yachting, and nautical sports, along with the supporting infrastructure and services.
The stakeholders called for multi-sectoral collaboration involving key public and private players to ensure that the industry brings economic benefits to coastal communities and contributes to national income.
President of ITPN, Mr. Abiodun Odusanwo
Mr. Abiodun Odusanwo, President of ITPN, said that as Nigerian coastal regions continue to draw millions of visitors annually, stakeholders must partner to balance economic growth with the preservation of precious marine ecosystems.
However, he identified several factors that impede the development of a blue economy in Nigeria, including inconsistent government policies, insufficient scientific data, unrestricted access to resources, climate change effects, and issues of overexploitation.
According to Odusanwo, the government needs to invest in critical infrastructure, such as modern ports, coastal roads, and waste management systems.
“Nigeria, with its long coastline stretching over 850 kilometres along the Atlantic Ocean and abundant marine resources, has significant potential for developing a thriving blue economy.
“As a way forward, the government is vital in promoting the blue economy by creating a supportive policy and legal framework, developing necessary infrastructure and ensuring safety.
“This legal structure includes initiatives aimed at fostering balanced economic, environmental, and social development,” he said.
He stressed the critical role of the private sector and local communities in driving the growth of the blue economy.
“The private sector undeniably plays a crucial role as the driving force behind the growth of the blue economy, contributing essential investment, innovation, and operational know-how.
“They channel funds into vital infrastructure such as hotels, resorts, marinas, and recreational amenities.
“Local communities equally play a vital role as stewards of Nigeria’s coastal and marine resources; they ensure that tourism development is inclusive and sustainable and respectful of local cultures,” he said.
Mr Abari Ahmed, Assistant Director, Marine Environment Management, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), said community engagement is needed to develop the nation’s maritime tourism.
“The local communities are crucial stakeholders that must be carried along. Youth will play a key role because there will be jobs for them.
“We must also consider partnership across different agencies in the blue economy ecosystem, including non-governmental organisations,” he said.
Dr Abisoye Fagade, Director General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), lauded the organisers of the event, which discussed how Nigeria’s coastal and marine resources can be harnessed for national income.
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Fagade, who was represented by Dr Edwin Enenta, the institute’s Director of Tourism Studies, said tourism was a multi-stakeholder venture that would thrive if industry players in both the public and private sectors were engaged.
Earlier in her opening remarks, Mrs Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, Director Overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary, FMACTCE, said the event was geared towards unlocking the immense potential of Nigeria’s coastal and marine resources.
The Director, who was represented by Mr Tony Ukpoju, Assistant Director of Tourism, said that Nigeria had an extensive coastline and vibrant coastal communities.
She added that it was imperative to strategically position tourism as a key driver in the nation’s Blue Economy framework.
“Our coastal biodiversity is not only a heritage that needs to be treasured, but also a catalyst for cultural expression, eco-tourism, and heritage preservation.
“This seminar presents a time, a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and policy alignment among public and private sectors, actors, researchers, and local communities.
“It is only through multi-sectoral collaborations that we can effectively develop a resilient and sustainable tourism sector that respects our marine ecosystems and uplifts the livelihoods of coastal populations,” she said.
