Nigeria's Maritime Tourism Gets a Boost as Indigenous Investors Pledge Strategic Partnership with NIWA
A coalition of indigenous maritime tourism and transportation investors, Allied Concessionaries and Blue Economy Alliance, has pledged to unlock strategic investment opportunities aimed at developing Nigeria's vast but largely untapped maritime tourism economy. The group made this commitment during a courtesy visit to the Lagos Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Engineer Sarat Braimah, at the NIWA Lagos Area Office.
The alliance, comprising reputable and experienced maritime tourism and transportation operators, is committed to redefining waterfront recreation and hospitality by integrating safe and efficient water transportation systems. Their initiative is designed to create jobs, boost coastal tourism, and expand economic opportunities within Lagos and beyond.
Speaking during the visit, Chairman of the coalition, Bolaji Olasade, explained that the group seeks to reposition Nigeria's brown water and blue economy sectors by transforming the country's waterfront hospitality and tourism landscape into a globally competitive industry. "We came to formally introduce our coalition, which is not a conventional association but a consortium of visible and tested operators, mostly concessionaires, who are willing and ready to collaborate with NIWA to grow and develop inland waterways tourism infrastructure," Olasade stated.
The Secretary of the coalition, Barrister Dorcas Aderemi, emphasized that the Nigerian marine and blue economy sector can only thrive when the inland waterways ecosystem is strategically aligned for sustainable investment and funding. She called for a structured public-private partnership model between the private sector and NIWA to fast-track development and enhance inland waterways utilization.
According to Aderemi, such collaboration would not only stimulate economic growth and job creation but also significantly boost government revenue and national development. The group commended Engineer Braimah for her leadership and commitment to industry growth, particularly her zero-tolerance stance on boat transportation accidents and security infractions on inland waterways in Lagos.
Responding, Engineer Braimah welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for their interest in partnering with NIWA. She assured them of the Authority's willingness to collaborate in unlocking opportunities within the inland waterways corridor in Lagos and across Nigeria.
"We are pleased to receive you and have listened carefully to your intentions to collaborate with us," Braimah said. "We recognize that NIWA cannot achieve its mandate alone without the private sector, especially serious investors with genuine financial commitments to the industry."
The Area Manager further highlighted the need to modernize inland water transportation by introducing new boats and ferries to gradually phase out outdated watercraft, thereby enhancing safety, efficiency, and value across the waterways transportation and hospitality sectors.
The coalition's visit marks a significant step towards developing Nigeria's maritime tourism sector, with potential benefits for littoral communities and the broader economy. As Engineer Braimah put it, "We will communicate your proposals to our headquarters in Abuja to explore how your group can leverage existing opportunities."
0 Comments