Operators in the maritime sector have stated that the tourism industry, which should significantly contribute to the Federal Government’s income, is being hindered by administrative inefficiencies and lack of strategic leadership.
They called for proper utilisation of the maritime tourism resources in the country.
In a chat with journalists in Lagos on Wednesday, the former acting President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Mr Kayode Farinto, emphasised the potential of maritime tourism to boost the economy.
He said that the country should harness the potential in that subsector through a public-private partnership.
According to Farinto, the current state of the Ministry of Blue Economy is 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 these resources,” Farinto said.
A tourism expert, Mr Frank Meke, also highlighted 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 part of the untapped opportunities.
“The Nigerian government must provide an enabling environment, improve infrastructure, and ensure water safety for tourists,” Meke advised.
He lamented the absence of large tourism ships in Nigeria, which are common in places like Cape Town, South Africa.
Meke stressed the importance of starting marine tourism initiatives to unlock Nigeria’s potential.
“Nigeria’s water ecosystems, such as those in Lagos and the 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, added that despite Nigeria’s abundant natural endowments, the country was not listed among Africa’s top 15 maritime tourism nations.
According to Bassey, the underutilisation of ocean resources, especially in maritime tourism, hampers economic diversification and development.
He noted that neglecting maritime tourism was a missed opportunity, comparing Nigeria with regions like the United States, Europe, China, and South Africa, which actively exploit their marine tourism markets.
“Countries like South Africa generate significant revenue from their maritime tourism annually. If Nigeria’s maritime tourism sector attracts private investors, it could create a ripple effect, boosting the overall tourism industry,” Bassey stated.
He stated that there were immense opportunities for investors in Nigeria’s coastal and maritime resorts, including marine malls, cruise ships, and marine sports.
