The Sea Empowerment Research Centre has stated that Nigeria needs to invest in modern ports, promote public-private partnerships, enhance security, develop coastal communities, and foster multi-sectoral collaboration to become a major player in the global maritime tourism industry, valued at over $6.45tn.
The Head of the SERC, Mr. Eugene Nweke, said this in a statement obtained by The PUNCH.
He admitted that the nation’s maritime tourism industry holds immense potential for economic growth, diversification, and global competitiveness.
He added that with its extensive coastline, natural endowments, and growing economy, “Nigeria can tap into the vast potential of its maritime sector and become a major player in the global maritime tourism industry, valued at over $6.45tn.”
Nweke, however, lamented that despite its potential, Nigeria’s maritime tourism industry is underdeveloped, ranking among the lowest in the marine tourism index, stressing that the sector faces challenges such as a lack of infrastructure, inconsistent policies, and security concerns.
“To overcome these challenges, Nigeria needs to invest in modern ports, marinas, and recreational facilities, promote public-private partnerships, enhance security, develop coastal communities, and foster multi-sectoral collaboration,” he said.
According to him, the policy thrust of the current administration, especially the creation of the Marine and Blue Economy ministry and the forthcoming Marine and Blue Economy Development Policy plan, could boost Nigeria’s maritime tourism industry.
He mentioned that the ministry can provide a strategic focus, policy framework, and increased investment opportunities, prioritising infrastructure development and enhanced security.
“This can lead to economic growth, a diversified economy, and global competitiveness. The creation of the ministry is a commendable step towards unlocking Nigeria’s maritime tourism potential,” Nweke stressed.
He emphasised that the move demonstrates a strategic focus on developing the maritime sector, which could lead to economic growth, diversification, and global competitiveness.
“A developed maritime tourism industry can generate significant revenue, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. Maritime tourism can contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda, reducing dependence on oil. With proper planning and investment, Nigeria can become a major player in the global maritime tourism industry,” he said.
Nweke highlighted that to unlock Nigeria’s maritime tourism potential, the government and industry stakeholders should focus on investing in infrastructure development, including modern ports, marinas, and recreational facilities.
“Promote public-private partnerships to develop maritime tourism projects, enhance maritime safety and security to attract tourists and investors, develop coastal communities to benefit from tourism development, foster multi-sectoral collaboration involving government agencies, private investors, and local communities,” Nweke added.
He maintained that by implementing these strategies, Nigeria can tap into the vast potential of its maritime sector, generate significant revenue, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.
Nweke said that the government and industry stakeholders must work together to unlock Nigeria’s maritime tourism potential and propel the country to a new era of economic growth and global competitiveness.
