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    Nigeria loses $2bn annually to unharnessed maritime tourism endowments –Experts

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    Nigeria loses $2bn annually to unharnessed maritime tourism endowments –Experts

    As the federal government battles severe revenue generation challenges, experts have pointed to maritime tourism as a major foreign exchange earner, saying that Nigeria currently loses about $2 billion annually for not tapping into that lucrative sub-sector.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Wealthy Honey Investment Nigeria Limited, Dr Farinto Collins, who spoke to Daily Sun in interview, said that the loss could be converted to profit if strategic investments are made to harness its potential.

    He said Nigeria is still lagging behind in the area of maritime tourism due successive leadership myopia.

    “I just mentioned that administrative acumen is inbuilt. We can’t even acquire it anywhere and you can also garner it through experience anyway. It is unfortunate that the ministry of Blue Economy is not moving forward. By now Federal Government should be making money through tourism.

    “I went to Amsterdam, I saw a tourism vessel for €5 million that ordinarily if you bring it here, it would be a source of revenue for government maybe on a PPP agreement or government owned abinitio, after a while government will now remove its hands even when the ministry of Blue Economy is not up and doing or even when the ministry is unable to harnessed the various resources.

    He lamented that under the nation’s sea there are many resources that have not been tapped which can be a source of revenue for the government.

    “Our intention when we are saying the ministry of Marine and Blue Economy should be visible because we want the untapped resources under the waters to be harnessed. But unfortunately, you cannot put a round peg in a square hole. That is the major problem we have.

    However, a marine engineer, Udok Bassey said despite that Nigeria possessed natural endowments and abundant resources in oceans and seas to back its economic diversification and development drive, Nigeria is not listed among Africa’s 15th maritime tourism nations.

    He added that the reason is not far-fetched be the country is yet to take full advantage of its ocean resources especially in the maritime tourism subsector to expand its economy.

    According to him, part of the challenges facing the Nigerian economy is the neglect of the nation’s maritime tourism business, which remains untapped while other regions and countries like United States, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India and Central and South America have continued to exploit market opportunities abounding in their marine tourism.

    He said these Africa countries like South Africa and others have been raking in huge revenues annually from their maritime tourism.

    “But it is believed that if Nigeria’s maritime tourism industry is developed and attracts private investors; it could have multiplier effects on its tourism sector in general. Presently, the global maritime tourism business is worth over $6.45 trillion, with Nigeria losing out in the massive opportunities embedded in the industry due to inability of successive governments to design and drive a coordinated policy framework to address this emergent reality.

    “But as demand for tourism expands worldwide, there are still immense opportunities for investors to exploit Nigeria‘s coastal and maritime resorts for revenue generation and job creation. These opportunities include the creation of a marine mall, cruise ships and the fostering of marine sports. Ideally, driving the growth of marine tourism through increased investment can be a huge area of opportunity for the private investor.

    “Also, the marine environment is one of the most attractive settings for tourism and recreation, which involve a wide spectrum of activities, such asscuba diving and snorkeling, wind surfing, fishing, observation of marine mammals and birds, the ferry industry, beach activities, sea kayaking, visits to fishing villages and lighthouses, maritime museums, sailing and motor yachting, maritime events, Arctic and Antarctic tourism among the numerous opportunities embedded in the marine tourism,” he said.

    He said the maritime industry is a key sector of the Nigerian economy, and for investors to come into its tourism arm, the Federal Government must provide an enabling environment, fix its entire infrastructure, and ensure the safety of the waters for tourists.

    Speaking with Daily Sun, a tourism expert, Frank Meke said all over the world, there are always a big ship for tourism taking for tour from one place to the other, ships are hardly come to Nigeria, they sail in Capetown, South Africa.

    “If one have to do that you have to fly down there before they take you to other part of the country. If we want to talk about maritime tourism in Nigeria, we have to look at Badagry shot and we need infrastructure to drive marine tourism.

    “We are blessed in Nigeria. You can see our water ecosystem, eight out of 36 states have electoral communities, which means if you want to exploit water based trip, we have lot to do. Again, we have to Iook at the challenges and the potential in the marine tourism.

    “Remember, New York is an electoral town like many of other countries, they all grow out of water. like Lokoja, Onitsha and Badagry, you see a lot of them that close to the waters. We can build waterfront properties like they do in Europe.

    “Banana Island is also one of the benefits of having of an electoral water tourism environment even Lekki and Ikoyi because of their closer to waters. Ikoyi waterfront are only being enjoyed by the rich people because it is expensive to live there,” he said.

    However, he said in terms of fancy property, waterfront gives Nigeria advantage in those areas, saying to start up the marine tourism is critical.

    In terms of water ecosystem, he said Nigeria has not been doing fishery at all, which is another part the white people are engaging.

    “There is sailing club in Lagos island where you see white people there. Apapa is a creation or an example where we can call a tourism waterfront. Before now it is Indian and white people that used to live in Apapa. Maritime tourism is very important in our economy but people are not paying attention to it,” he added.

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    Uzodimma inaugurates IMSUTH, IMSUBEB boards, pledges N20bn for education, healthcare

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    Imo State health and education reforms

    Governor Hope Uzodimma has inaugurated the IMSUTH and IMSUBEB boards, pledging N20bn for healthcare and education reforms in Imo State

     

    Imo State Governor, **Senator Hope Uzodimma**, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalising the **health and education sectors**, describing them as crucial to the well-being and development of the people.

    Also read: Odua investment partners with Iwosan to boost local healthcare

    Speaking at the **inauguration of the boards** of the **Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH)** and the **Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB)** in Owerri, the governor outlined the significant strides his government has made in these sectors since assuming office in 2020.

    Governor Uzodimma revealed that his administration had invested over **₦4 billion** in rehabilitating IMSUTH, **procuring modern medical equipment** and attracting professionals with **local and international medical experience**.

    “IMSUTH was in a **comatose state**, but today, it stands among the top teaching hospitals in Nigeria,” he stated.

    The governor expressed concerns over Nigeria’s **preventable death rate**, attributing about **70% of fatalities** to poor healthcare infrastructure.

    He urged the **newly inaugurated board**, led by **Dr Emmanuel Ogueri**, to leverage their expertise to transform IMSUTH into a centre for **medical excellence**, discouraging **medical tourism abroad**.

    “This is your own. **Help stop medical tourism in Imo**. Bring back your knowledge and experience. Without health, there can be no development,” Uzodimma emphasised.

     

    The newly appointed IMSUTH board members include:

    – **Dr Emmanuel Ogueri** – Chairman
    – **Prof Kelechi Uwakwe** – Chief Medical Director (CMD)
    – **Rev. Fr. Dr Emeka Emekaraoha**
    – **Anyaehie Okameme**
    – **Dr Osita Kingsley Uzoma**

     

    The governor assured the board of **government support** while encouraging collaboration with IMSUTH management.

    Uzodimma also inaugurated the **Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB)**, tasking the members with **accountability** and **prudent management of funds**.

    He pledged that their **monthly financial reports** would be published for transparency.

    “Your failure is our collective failure; your success is our collective success. **This is not your turn—it is the turn of Imo people**. Change the story, rebuild the schools, and serve as dedicated public servants,” he advised.

    The governor announced that his administration had **cleared all outstanding counterpart funding** obligations, securing **₦20 billion** for **school renovations, teacher recruitment, and improved learning materials**.

     

    New IMSUBEB Board Members

     

    – **Hon Chidiebere Egbo** – Chairman
    – **Arc. Mrs Amaka Onu**
    – **Hon Chuks Metu** – Secretary
    – **Hon Vitalis Obioma**
    – **Hon Edward Obinna**
    – **Mrs Nzeoma Lucy Nkeiru**
    – **Mrs Leticia Amandianeze**

     

    In their acceptance speeches, **Dr Emmanuel Ogueri** and **Hon Chidiebere Egbo** pledged to align with the governor’s vision, ensuring **high-quality healthcare** and **basic education** for Imo residents.

    The event was attended by **Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe**, **Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu**, **Chief of Staff Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie**, and other top government officials and stakeholders.

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    FG unveils motherland 2025 to position Nigeria as global cultural, investment hub

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    Nigeria Motherland 2025 initiative

    The Federal Government, in collaboration with Discover Motherland Africa, has launched *Motherland 2025*, a movement to reconnect the African diaspora while boosting Nigeria’s economic and cultural resurgence

     

     

    The **Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy**, in collaboration with **Discover Motherland Africa**, has launched *Motherland 2025*, a transformative initiative aimed at positioning **Nigeria as a global hub for African culture, investment, and tourism**.

    Also read: Mbah moves to make Enugu hub for gaming tourism

    Speaking at the unveiling event in **Abuja Continental Hotel**, Minister **Hannatu Musa Musawa** described *Motherland 2025* as more than a festival—**a movement designed to reconnect the African diaspora while driving Nigeria’s economic and cultural resurgence**.

    “Motherland 2025 is more than a festival—it’s a homecoming. This initiative cements Nigeria’s role as a powerhouse of Black and African identity, commerce, and innovation.”

    >“It is an opportunity for global stakeholders, from investors and policymakers to cultural leaders and travelers, to experience and invest in Nigeria’s resurgence as a cultural and economic powerhouse,” Musawa stated.

    As part of the initiative, the Minister announced the *“See Motherland Through Your Eyes”* competition, inviting **participants to visually capture Nigeria’s landscapes, traditions, and vibrant communities**.

    “This competition celebrates Nigeria’s diversity and spirit. From the **Kelangu drumbeats of the North to the Bata rhythms of the Southwest and the Ogene echoes of the East**, our culture moves like a dance—alive in every moment.”

    The Minister further called on **government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and cultural institutions** to support *Motherland 2025* in making it a **long-term driver of Nigeria’s tourism, creative economy, and investment landscape**.

    “The success of this initiative relies on strong partnerships. We invite policymakers, investors, and development organizations to join us in shaping Nigeria’s tourism, creative economy, and investment landscape.”

    The *Motherland 2025* initiative consists of several major components designed to boost Nigeria’s cultural, tourism, and economic appeal:

    – **Motherland Expo and Festival** – A platform for **cultural exchange, business engagement, and entertainment**, featuring **State Pavilions and Business Exhibitions** showcasing Nigeria’s **36 states and the FCT**.
    – **Closing Concert** – A grand musical event featuring **top Nigerian and international artists**.
    – **Motherland Travel Hub** – A **centralized travel logistics platform** to make exploring Nigeria easier for visitors.
    – **Citizenship by Investment Program** – A unique initiative allowing **diaspora members and foreign investors** to contribute to Nigeria’s development while gaining residency benefits.
    – **Diaspora City** – A **dedicated hub for diasporans to settle and invest in Nigeria**.
    – **Motherland Ambassador Awards** – An **award program recognizing diaspora leaders** making significant contributions in various fields.

     

    **Chidinma Nwankwo**, Managing Director of **Discover Motherland Africa**, emphasized that *Motherland 2025* is **not just a festival, but a landmark movement reconnecting Nigerians abroad while unlocking cultural pride and investment opportunities**.

    “Motherland is a homecoming, a journey, and a commitment. This December, we invite the global diaspora to experience Nigeria like never before—not just as visitors, but as participants in a redefined vision of tourism.”

    “Whether you are part of the diaspora, a first-generation Nigerian, or someone who has never set foot in Nigeria, this is your invitation to engage, contribute, and become part of something bigger.”

    With *Motherland 2025*, Nigeria aims to **strengthen its identity as the centre of global Black and African culture** while **unlocking investment opportunities and fostering economic development**.

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    Dees Travels Chairman advocates stronger tourism policies to unlock Nigeria’s potential

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    Nigeria Tourism, Dees Travels, Dirty December, Economic Growth, Tourism Policies

    Professor Sunday Adebisi, Chairman of Dees Travels, urges the Nigerian government to implement stronger tourism policies to boost economic growth, highlighting the sector’s potential to surpass Dubai as a premier travel destination

     

    The **Chairman of Dees Travels**, **Professor Sunday Adebisi**, has called for **robust tourism policies** to help Nigeria realise its full potential as a **global travel destination**.

    Speaking at the company’s **get-together party** in **Lagos**, Adebisi noted that **Nigeria has all it takes to compete with top destinations like Dubai** if the right policies are put in place.

    Highlighting the economic impact of the **“Dirty December”** festivities, which reportedly generated **over $100 million** in revenue, Adebisi stressed that Nigeria could attract **global tourists year-round** if the sector is well-structured.

    > *“If we get our tourism sector right, the potential is limitless. Nigeria could surpass Dubai and become the premier destination in Africa. With 365 days of summer, there’s no reason tourists can’t flock to Nigeria all year,”* he stated.

    While acknowledging the efforts of the **current administration**, Adebisi urged **more government investment** in tourism and aviation to maximise their economic benefits.

    Similarly, **Group Managing Director Daisi Olotu** echoed these sentiments, arguing that **aviation and tourism require greater attention** to boost Nigeria’s **economic growth**.

    *“The current government is trying its best, but if aviation gets the attention it deserves, it will generate more money for operators, agents, and the economy at large.

    Tourism has the potential to generate vast amounts of income, and if Nigeria wants to compete globally, it must prioritise these sectors,”* Olotu noted.

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