Bonny Island has the history, culture, natural beauty and people to become one of Nigeria’s standout tourism destinations.
The conversation now is about turning that potential into a destination that people can visit, experience, invest in and proudly call their own.
This was at the heart of the 2026 Bonny Island Tourism and Investment Summit, organised by the Bonny Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BCCIMA), under the theme, “Bonny Island: Transforming into a Premier Global Destination.”
Representing the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa-Musawa, the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Dr Olayiwola Awakan GrPr, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working with the Bonny Kingdom, Rivers State Government, traditional institutions, communities, investors and development partners to unlock the island’s tourism and investment opportunities.
And there is a lot to work with.
Bonny’s island setting, maritime history, traditional institutions, cultural expressions, festivals, cuisine, waterways, beaches and coastal and mangrove ecosystems offer the kind of assets that established destinations have spent years developing.
The challenge, as highlighted at the summit, is to deliberately connect and develop these assets into memorable visitor experiences, supported by better connectivity, accommodation, visitor services, entertainment, events, cultural experiences, safety and security, digital visibility and investment opportunities.
Sustainability must remain at the centre of this development. Bonny’s fragile coastal and mangrove ecosystems, land, waterways, traditions and cultural heritage must be protected as tourism infrastructure and investment grow.
For the people of Bonny, tourism should mean more than visitors coming in. It should create jobs, support local businesses, empower young people, preserve culture and heritage, attract infrastructure and create new opportunities for the community. The people must be beneficiaries, custodians and ambassadors of their destination.
His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William-Dappa Pepple III, Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom, highlighted the kingdom’s long history of trade, diplomacy and maritime relations, noting that its waterways, beaches, festivals, regattas, historic sites, cuisine, music, arts and traditions provide a strong foundation for a vibrant tourism economy.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring that investment and development go hand in hand with responsibility, respecting Bonny’s land, waterways, traditions and community values.
During the panel session, the Director-General also emphasised the importance of telling Bonny’s story from the perspective of its people and heritage. He noted that Okoloama Kingdom should be used more in describing Bonny Island, as the name represents the true story and identity of its people.
The President of BCCIMA, Dr Constance Nwokejiobi, also pointed to Bonny’s significant tourism potential and strategic position, noting that tourism can drive local economic growth, create jobs, preserve culture and attract investment.
The summit also provided an opportunity for the official launch of Discover Bonny, an initiative focused on telling Bonny’s story, showcasing its culture, heritage, experiences and opportunities, and helping to change the way the destination is seen by audiences at home and around the world.
There is a bigger story to tell about Bonny, one of culture, heritage, resilience, enterprise and hospitality.
The journey towards positioning Bonny Island as a premier global destination has begun. Through collaboration, responsible investment, community participation and sustainable destination development, Bonny can take its place among Africa’s remarkable tourism destinations.
