Experts have raised concerns over Nigeria’s failure to harness its maritime tourism potential, attributing the estimated $2 billion yearly lost revenue to administrative inefficiencies and lack of strategic leadership.
They argued that the maritime tourism sector could significantly boost the Federal Government’s revenue and help to reduce the need for borrowing.
Former acting President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Dr Kayode Farinto, highlighted the economic potential of maritime tourism.
Drawing comparisons to Amsterdam, he noted that a tourism vessel could be a major revenue source for Nigeria if implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP).
However, he identified the ineffectiveness of the Ministry of Blue Economy as a significant barrier.“Our waters are rich with untapped resources that could generate substantial revenue for the government. The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy must become more effective in harnessing the resources,” Farinto stated.
A member of the Board of Trustees for the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), Frank Meke, emphasised the vast potential of Nigeria’s marine environment for tourism and recreation.
He cited activities such as scuba diving, windsurfing, fishing, marine wildlife observation and visits to maritime museums and lighthouses as untapped opportunities.
Meke lamented the absence of large tourism ships in Nigeria, which are commonplace in locations like Cape Town, South Africa. Highlighting the need for infrastructure, Meke pointed to regions like Badagry and waterfront properties like Banana Island as examples of the benefits of marine tourism environments, while stressing the importance of initiating marine tourism projects to unlock the country’s potential.
“Nigeria’s water ecosystems, such as those in Lagos and littoral communities in eight states, offer immense tourism opportunities. However, to capitalise on these opportunities, Nigeria must address the challenges and invest in infrastructure,” Meke said.
A marine engineer, Udok Bassey, also commented on the underutilisation of Nigeria’s ocean resources. He said despite Nigeria’s abundant natural endowments, the country is not listed among Africa’s top 15 maritime tourism nations.
Bassey noted that neglecting maritime tourism hampers economic diversification and development.He contrasted Nigeria with regions like the United States, Europe, China and South Africa, which actively exploit their marine tourism markets.
Bassey highlighted the global maritime tourism industry, worth over $6.45 trillion, as a potential goldmine for Nigeria if properly developed and managed.
“Countries like South Africa generate significant revenue from their maritime tourism yearly. If Nigeria’s maritime tourism sector attracts private investors, it could create a ripple effect, boosting the overall tourism industry. There are immense opportunities for investors in Nigeria’s coastal and maritime resorts, including marine malls, cruise ships, and marine sports,” Bassey stated.
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