Lack of master plan, decrepit infrastructure, insecurity ruining Nigeria’s maritime potential –Experts

By Steve Agbota, [email protected] 

For decades, conversations around harnessing Nigeria’s maritime endowments have remained empty talks held to flaunt political correctness.

For many industry analysts, it is heartbreaking that Nigeria, despite boasting of vast natural resources and an extensive 850-kilometer coastline, ranks among the lowest on the global marine tourism index, according to the International Ocean Institute (IOI).

Indeed, the low ranking is particularly troubling given that 28 of Nigeria’s 36 states are bordered by water, providing numerous untapped opportunities for maritime tourism.

From the mangrove swamps and coastal rivers to estuaries and offshore waters teeming with marine life, Nigeria’s rich marine environments could position the country as a significant player in the global maritime tourism industry with loads of foreign exchange to generate.

Unfortunately, these abundant resources remain largely untapped, even though they could drive economic diversification and development. Experts believe the reasons for Nigeria’s failure to fully harness its marine tourism potential stem from the absence of a comprehensive master plan, insufficient infrastructure, and persistent insecurity in the country’s waters.

While other countries, including the United States, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and regions in Central and South America, have successfully built thriving maritime tourism industries, Nigeria continues to lag. Even on the African continent, nations like South Africa and Namibia have capitalised on their marine ecosystems to earn significant revenue, establishing themselves as top maritime tourism destinations. Namibia, for instance, has leveraged its salty waters to produce salt, which has become a key attraction for tourists.

Similarly, South Africa operates large tourism boats that take visitors from one coastal city to another, further enriching their marine tourism experience.

Missed opportunity for economic growth

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector are increasingly worried by the country’s poor ranking, arguing that Nigeria could generate an estimated $2 billion annually from marine tourism if the proper structures were in place. The untapped potential remains a glaring issue for a country seeking to diversify its economy and explore non-oil revenue sources.

Commenting on the worrisome issue, the Director of IOI Nigeria, Akanbi Williams, noted that Nigeria’s ranking among the bottom three countries on the marine tourism index was a direct consequence of the nation’s inability to effectively exploit its maritime potential.

“At IOI, we’ve developed a curriculum for ocean literacy to combat the problem of ‘sea blindness.’ Our coastal areas and marine organisms need to be studied, and we need to develop a deeper understanding of our deep-sea environments,” he explained.

Williams added that maritime security and cultural attitudes toward marine ecosystems are key barriers to Nigeria’s success in marine tourism. “If an environment is not secure, clean, or habitable, there will be no appeal for tourists. The security of our waters is critical if we are to attract global tourists,” he noted. Despite these challenges, Williams expressed optimism about the creation of Nigeria’s new Marine and Blue Economy Ministry. He believes that maritime tourism will be a significant component of the ministry’s development agenda, especially in partnership with security agencies to improve waterway safety.

Need for ocean literacy and strategic planning

According to Williams, a visibly lack of ocean literacy in Nigeria has further compounded the nation’s failure to tap into its marine resources.

He stated that early education in elementary and primary schools about the potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector could help foster a generation of individuals capable of driving innovation and growth in the industry. Such foundational knowledge would enable the country to fully harness the wealth of opportunities embedded in its marine ecosystems.

Also commenting on the matter, a tourism expert, Frank Meke, highlighted the endless opportunities within Nigeria’s maritime tourism sector but stressed the absence of a well-structured master plan as a major impediment to progress. He pointed out that states like Delta, Akwa Ibom, Calabar, Ebonyi, and even regions like Onitsha and the northern states possess complex and diverse tourism offerings that remain unexplored.

“These areas have immense tourism potential, but without a cohesive strategy and infrastructure to harness this potential, the country will continue to underperform in the global tourism space,” Meke remarked. He also noted that Nigeria lacks an inland waterways master plan, which is vital for developing the sector. Without it, successive governments only make piecemeal efforts, leaving large portions of the sector underdeveloped.

Meke further lamented Nigeria’s failure to capitalise on “border tourism” with neighboring countries, recalling how in the past, Benin and Nigeria maintained strong tourism ties. However, the currency disparity between the two nations has become another barrier. “Our N100,000 is now only about 26,000 CFA in Benin. Their currency is much stronger, and we’ve missed opportunities to collaborate and develop our tourism potential,” he explained.

Addressing security concerns and building investor confidence

Security concerns are one of the most significant hurdles facing Nigeria’s maritime tourism industry. Meke amplified the importance of improving security on Nigeria’s waterways, which would require stronger collaboration between state governments and security agencies like the Nigerian Navy. “For tourism to thrive, we must first ensure safety. Without secure waterways, we cannot expect tourists to visit or invest,” he stated.

While the security situation remains a challenge, Meke also believes that Nigeria has the potential to transform its water transportation systems into viable alternatives to road travel. “Water transportation offers an environmentally sustainable option and can help alleviate the pressure on our road networks.

While it may not seem cheaper now due to economic conditions, water transport is ultimately more cost-effective and better for the environment,” he added.

A marine engineer,  Udok Bassey, corroborated Meke, lamenting Nigeria’s failure to capitalise on its abundant ocean and sea resources. He noted that while countries like South Africa have been generating substantial revenue from their maritime tourism sectors, Nigeria has yet to fully take advantage of its marine wealth.

“The reality is that if Nigeria can develop its maritime tourism industry and attract private investors, it could have a transformative impact on the economy. The maritime sector holds untold potential, but the government must provide the right environment for it to thrive,” Bassey said.

He highlighted several potential growth areas within the sector, including the development of marine malls, cruise ships, and marine sports.

“By driving the growth of marine tourism through increased investment, Nigeria could unlock a huge area of opportunity for private investors, creating jobs and boosting revenue in the process.”

Way forward

For Nigeria to unlock the full potential of its maritime tourism industry, several key areas must be addressed.

First and foremost, the federal government must provide an enabling environment for private investors by fixing the country’s crumbling infrastructure and ensuring the safety of Nigeria’s waters. This would not only attract foreign investment but also build confidence in the viability of Nigeria’s tourism offerings.

Moreover, developing a comprehensive national master plan for maritime tourism is essential. Such a plan should include strategies for improving infrastructure, security, and accessibility to Nigeria’s coastal and marine resorts. Additionally, increasing awareness of the country’s marine resources and tourism potential through education and marketing would help position Nigeria as a key player in the global maritime tourism industry.

In a unanimous submission, experts state that as the increasing demand for tourism expands worldwide, Nigeria has immense opportunities to capitalise on its coastal and maritime assets for revenue generation and job creation. However, to realise the expected gains, both government and private stakeholders must work together to develop and implement a sustainable roadmap for the future of Nigeria’s maritime tourism sector.