Stakeholders Call for Collaboration to Boost Nigeria’s Maritime Tourism

Tourism stakeholders have emphasised the need for coordinated efforts among key players in Nigeria’s blue economy sector to accelerate the development of maritime tourism.

The call was made at a one-day seminar themed “Development of National Blue Economy and Coastal Biodiversity in Tourism” held on Wednesday in Abuja.

The event took place at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre and was jointly organised by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE) and the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN).

The seminar brought together experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and community representatives to discuss the role of the blue economy and coastal biodiversity in advancing sustainable tourism development.

Stakeholders stressed the need for collaboration across the marine ecosystem to unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s extensive coastal regions. Maritime tourism, they noted, includes diverse sea-based recreational activities such as cruising, yachting, boating, and nautical sports, supported by necessary infrastructure and services.

They advocated strategic partnerships involving both public and private sectors to ensure the industry not only drives national income but also benefits coastal communities.

Mr Abiodun Odusanwo, President of ITPN, highlighted the increasing popularity of Nigeria’s coastal regions, which attract millions of visitors annually. He underscored the importance of balancing economic growth with marine conservation.

He identified several challenges affecting the growth of the blue economy, including inconsistent policies, lack of scientific data, unregulated access to resources, the impact of climate change, and over-exploitation of marine environments.

Odusanwo called on the government to invest in critical infrastructure such as modern ports, coastal roads, and waste management systems. He noted:

“With a coastline stretching over 850 kilometres along the Atlantic Ocean and rich marine resources, Nigeria holds great potential for a thriving blue economy. The government must provide a supportive legal and policy framework, invest in infrastructure, and ensure maritime safety.”

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He further stressed the vital roles of the private sector and local communities:

“The private sector is the engine of the blue economy, bringing in investment, innovation, and operational expertise. Local communities, as custodians of our marine ecosystems, must be empowered to ensure inclusive and sustainable tourism that respects indigenous cultures.”

Also speaking, Mr Abari Ahmed, Assistant Director, Marine Environment Management at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), emphasised the need for community engagement in shaping maritime tourism policies:

“Local communities, especially the youth, are central to this initiative. Collaboration across agencies and with NGOs is essential.”

Dr Abisoye Fagade, Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), commended the organisers for creating a platform to explore how Nigeria’s marine and coastal assets can generate national income. Represented by Dr Edwin Enenta, Director of Tourism Studies, he reiterated that tourism is a multi-stakeholder endeavour that requires synergy between the public and private sectors.

In her opening remarks, Mrs Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary at FMACTCE, said the seminar aimed to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s coastal and marine resources. Represented by Mr Tony Ukpoju, Assistant Director of Tourism, she stated:

“Nigeria is richly endowed with an expansive coastline and vibrant coastal communities. Strategically positioning tourism within the national Blue Economy framework is vital.”

She added that coastal biodiversity should be recognised not only as a heritage to be preserved, but also as a foundation for cultural identity, eco-tourism, and heritage conservation.

“This seminar provides an opportunity for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and policy harmonisation among key actors. Through multi-sectoral collaboration, we can build a sustainable tourism industry that protects our marine ecosystems and uplifts coastal livelihoods,” she concluded.