The federal government has unveiled a blueprint for the development of Bonny Island into a major tourism destination, stating that its rich cultural heritage, maritime history, natural environment and investment opportunities, uniquely positions the island for tourism development.
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa-Musawa, disclosed this while speaking at the Bonny Island Tourism and Investment Summit, organised by the Bonny Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BCCIMA).
The summit, which was with the theme: “Bonny Island: Transforming into a Premier Global Destination,” held at the NLNG conference centre in Bonny, Rivers State, on Wednesday.
Musa-Musawa, who was represented by the director-general of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Dr Olayiwola, stated that the federal government was ready to work with the Bonny Kingdom, Rivers State government, traditional institutions, communities, investors and development partners to unlock the island’s tourism potential.
The minister emphasised that the federal government’s interest in the development of Bonny was not merely ceremonial, but part of its commitment to building sustainable tourism sector.
“My presence here today is not ceremonial. It is a reflection of the commitment of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority to working with Bonny Island, its traditional institution, governments, communities, private sector and development partners to unlock the enormous tourism and investment opportunities embedded in this remarkable destination,” she said.
The minister noted that Bonny possesses tourism potentials and assets that many established tourism destinations around the world took decades to develop.
She said, “Bonny has something that tourism destinations around the world spend decades trying to create and compel investors to come.
“Its island setting, rich history, traditional institutions, cultural expressions, coastal and mangrove ecosystems, festivals, cuisine and the resilience of its people provide the raw materials capable of attracting domestic and international visitors.”
The minister however stressed that the attractions must be deliberately developed, connected, packaged, marketed and sustainably managed to create memorable experiences for visitors while generating economic benefits for the Bonny people.
She also highlighted that developing the Bonny Tourism sector must go beyond building individual tourism facilities to creating a complete destination ecosystem through improved connectivity, accommodation, visitor services, entertainment, events, cultural experiences, safety and security, digital visibility, environmental sustainability, investment facilitation and effective destination governance.
“Our vision is to see Bonny Kingdom move from significant tourism potential to becoming a well-planned, investment-ready, experience-ready and globally marketable destination. The people must not simply be spectators of tourism development. They must be beneficiaries, custodians and ambassadors of the destination,” she said.
The minister further warned that the fragile coastal and mangrove ecosystems of Bonny must be protected as tourism infrastructure and investments expand, and called for tourism development that is economically viable, environmentally sustainable, culturally respectful and socially inclusive.
She emphasised the ministry through the NTDA’s commitment to working with stakeholders on a comprehensive Bonny Island tourism development and marketing plan.
“The journey towards making Bonny Island a premier global destination has begun. The NTDA is ready to work this journey with you. Together, let us unlock Bonny’s tourism potential, preserve its heritage, empower its people, attract responsible investments and build a destination that will stand proudly among Africa’s most remarkable tourism destinations.
“The stories Bonny Island as I said, we should tell these stories to be able to erase the negative impression and stories that people in the international community have about us as a people.
“Bonny Island and Nigeria at large, we are a people of great culture, a people of great art, a people of great tradition and a people of great heritage. We are not and we are never a people of violence. We are never a people of insecurity. The true story of who we are and our identity should be told through our heritage,” the minister stated.
Musa-Musawa added that the summit is in like with President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification blueprint and called for investors and development partners to key into the potentials that the Bonny Island presents.
“Let’s move towards diversification, and I think the sector we can use to grow this economy better is the tourism sector,” she stated.
In his goodwill message, the Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom, King Edward Asimini William-Dappa Pepple (Perekule III), said Bonny’s long history of trade, diplomacy and maritime relations provided a strong foundation for building a tourism-driven economy.
He said the kingdom’s waterways, beaches, traditional institutions, festivals, regattas, historic sites, cuisine, music, arts and cultural traditions positions Bonny for a vibrant tourism industry.
“Bonny must also become a destination for tourism investments, culture enterprise and innovations,” the monarch said.
According to him, tourism development could create jobs, stimulate investment, preserve culture and heritage, attract infrastructure and generate revenue for the community, particularly for its growing youth population.
The monarch, however, emphasised that development must respect Bonny’s land, waterways, traditions, cultural heritage and community values. “Investment and development must go hand-in-hand with responsibility,” he stated.
Earlier, the president of the Bonny Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BCCIMA), Dr Constance Nwokejiobi, noted that despite Nigeria’s enormous tourism potential, it lags behind peers like Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa, pointing out that Bonny Island stands out as a unique case for strategic tourism development.
“Tourism drives socio-economic growth by boosting local economies, creating jobs, and enhancing cultural preservation. Bonny’s $0.5billion tourism potential is realistic, given it’s assets and strategic position,” she stated.
