By Abbas Nazil
Tourism experts and stakeholders have expressed the urgent need for a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s maritime tourism sector.
This call was made during a one-day seminar held in Abuja, which focused on the theme “Development of National Blue Economy and Coastal Biodiversity in Tourism.”
The seminar was organized by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE) in partnership with the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN).
Participants at the event, which gathered policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and community representatives, underscored the importance of cooperative efforts across different sectors of the blue economy.
They noted that Nigeria’s over 850 kilometers of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, rich with marine resources and vibrant coastal communities, presents immense economic opportunities if sustainably developed.
Maritime tourism, they explained, includes activities such as cruising, boating, yachting, nautical sports, and related hospitality services, all of which require the support of infrastructure, investment, and environmental stewardship.
According to stakeholders, tapping into this potential will not only generate national revenue but also uplift coastal communities through job creation and improved livelihoods.
President of ITPN, Mr. Abiodun Odusanwo, expressed the necessity for Nigeria to balance economic gains with the preservation of marine ecosystems.
He identified key barriers hindering the sector’s growth, including inconsistent policy frameworks, inadequate scientific data, unrestricted resource access, climate-related challenges, and resource over-exploitation.
Odusanwo emphasized the need for the government to invest in vital infrastructure such as modern ports, efficient coastal transportation networks, and waste management systems.
He also stressed that the private sector should be viewed as a key driver of growth, contributing essential capital, innovation, and operational expertise.
He noted that investments in marinas, hotels, resorts, and other recreational facilities are crucial to the sector’s development.
Ofusanwo said local communities must also be empowered as custodians of marine resources to ensure tourism development is inclusive, respectful of indigenous cultures, and sustainable.
Mr. Abari Ahmed of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) reiterated the need for community involvement, particularly the engagement of youth, to foster employment and ownership of development projects.
He also called for strategic partnerships across various agencies and inclusion of non-governmental organizations in policy implementation.
Dr. Abisoye Fagade, Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), represented by Dr. Edwin Enenta, echoed that tourism can only thrive through effective collaboration between public and private sector actors.
He praised the seminar as a necessary step toward aligning interests and promoting Nigeria’s coastal tourism.
In her address, Mrs. Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, speaking on behalf of the FMACTCE, highlighted the importance of positioning tourism as a central pillar of Nigeria’s blue economy.
The FMACTCE official pointed out that coastal biodiversity holds not only economic value but also cultural and ecological significance.
She maintained that fostering dialogue, policy coordination, and shared knowledge across all sectors is vital for building a resilient and sustainable maritime tourism industry.