The Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, on Thursday received a high-level delegation from the Bonny Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BOCCIMA) at the NTDA Headquarters in Abuja.
The delegation was led by Dr. Constance N. Nwokejiobi, Ph.D., FCA, President of the Bonny Chamber and the first woman to hold the position. Discussions centred on the “Discover Bonny” Initiative and the forthcoming Bonny Tourism and Investment Summit, strategic platforms designed to reposition Bonny Island as a premier tourism and investment hub in Nigeria.
Dr. Awakan, who assumed office in late 2025 with a mandate to drive President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through tourism, emphasised the critical role of deliberate and coordinated efforts in leveraging the sector for sustainable economic growth, job creation, and community development. He underscored tourism’s potential as a non-oil revenue earner capable of transforming local economies.
Both parties explored multifaceted areas of collaboration, including organised destination tours to highlight Bonny Island’s existing and emerging attractions. Key sites include the pristine Finima Beach, the expansive Finima Nature Park (a biodiversity-rich reserve spanning approximately 1,000 hectares with mangroves, wildlife, and conservation areas), cultural heritage landmarks tied to the ancient Kingdom of Bonny, and recreational spots such as the Bonny Love Garden and golf course.
The meeting also addressed the need for institutional support, technical endorsements, and partnerships to ensure the success of the Bonny Tourism and Investment Summit. Stakeholders aim to attract both domestic and international investors while promoting responsible tourism that respects local culture and the environment in the oil-rich yet historically significant Niger Delta island.
Dr. Nwokejiobi expressed optimism about the partnership, noting that Bonny’s strategic location, rich history as a trading post, and natural endowments position it uniquely to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s tourism landscape. The “Discover Bonny” Initiative extends beyond promotion to include community development and environmental initiatives such as the Clean Bonny campaign.
This engagement aligns with the NTDA’s broader strategy of fostering public-private partnerships and sub-national collaborations to unlock Nigeria’s tourism potential. Further details on joint programmes and the summit’s date are expected to be announced soon.
The meeting reinforces a shared commitment to positioning Nigeria’s coastal and cultural assets as drivers of inclusive economic prosperity.
