Nigeria has designated Bonny Island as a national tourism destination as government and stakeholders move to develop its heritage, beaches, waterways and investment potential.
Bonny Island, also known as Okoloama Kingdom, is taking a significant step towards becoming one of Nigeria’s recognised tourism destinations following renewed federal, state and private-sector efforts to develop its cultural, maritime and coastal assets.
The development followed the 2026 Bonny Island Tourism and Investment Summit, where stakeholders examined how the island could be transformed into a premier destination for domestic and international visitors.
The summit, organised by the Bonny Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture under the theme, “Bonny Island: Transforming into a Premier Global Destination,” brought tourism, government, traditional and investment stakeholders together.
Representing the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Dr Olayiwola Awakan, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s willingness to work with the Bonny Kingdom, Rivers State Government, communities, investors and development partners to unlock the island’s tourism potential.
Bonny possesses a distinctive combination of tourism assets. Its maritime history, waterways, beaches, festivals, cuisine, traditional institutions, historic sites and coastal ecosystems provide the foundation for a destination capable of attracting cultural tourists, leisure travellers and investors.
Stakeholders, however, acknowledge that possessing attractions is only the beginning. The island requires improved connectivity, accommodation, visitor services, entertainment, security, digital visibility and professionally developed tourism experiences.
Sustainability is also expected to remain central to the development process. Bonny’s mangrove ecosystems, waterways, cultural heritage and traditional institutions will require careful protection as tourism infrastructure expands.
A major development from the summit was the launch of Discover Bonny, an initiative designed to tell the story of Bonny, promote its heritage and showcase its tourism and investment opportunities to audiences within Nigeria and internationally.
