Lagos, March 4, 2026 (NAN)The Allied Concessionaries and Blue Economy Alliance, has pledged to partner with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to develop Nigeria’s vast but largely untapped marine tourism economy.
The Chairman of the group, Mr Bolaji Olasade, made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the Lagos Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mrs Sarat Braimah, at the NIWA Lagos Area Office.
Olasade said the collaboration aims to unlock the economic potential of waterfronts, particularly in Lagos, by integrating safe and efficient water transportation with enhanced recreational and hospitality services.
“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.
“We are also focused on opening up littoral communities through destination marketing and the promotion of resorts,” Olasade said.
He added 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.
In her remarks, the Secretary of the coalition, Mrs Dorcas Aderemi, emphasized that the Nigerian marine and blue economy sector can only thrive when the inland waterways ecosystem was 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 her, such collaboration will not only stimulate economic growth and job creation but also significantly boost government revenue and national development.
The group commended 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.
They also congratulated her on her recent Nelson Mandela Pan-African Leadership Award, describing it as a testament to her dedication to national service.
Responding, 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.
“We recognize that NIWA cannot achieve its mandate alone without the private sector, especially serious investors with genuine financial commitments to the industry.
“We will communicate your proposals to our headquarters in Abuja to explore how your group can leverage existing opportunities,” she said.
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.
She urged the coalition to remain united, avoid internal conflicts, and focus on delivering meaningful impact, particularly for littoral communities that must be actively engaged and empowered to benefit from maritime tourism and transportation opportunities within their environment. (NAN)
