The Federal Government has declared Bonny Island, also known as Okoloama Kingdom, a major tourism destination with the potential to emerge as one of Nigeria’s most spectacular global attractions.
The declaration was made at 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 Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Dr Olayiwola Awakan, said the Federal Government was ready to work with the Bonny Kingdom, Rivers State Government, local communities, investors and development partners to unlock the island’s vast tourism potential.
Awakan said Bonny had all the ingredients required to compete with leading tourism destinations around the world, pointing to its rich maritime history, traditional institutions, festivals, cuisine, waterways, beaches, cultural heritage and unique mangrove ecosystems.
He stressed that the island’s tourism story must be built around the identity and heritage of its people, insisting that Okoloama Kingdom should be recognised in the description of Bonny Island because it reflects the authentic history and identity of its people.
The NTDA boss said the Federal Government’s vision was to transform Bonny’s existing cultural and natural assets into sustainable economic opportunities capable of creating jobs, attracting investments and placing the kingdom firmly on the global tourism map.
Speaking at the summit, His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William-Dappa Pepple III, Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom, underscored Bonny’s historic role in trade, diplomacy and maritime relations.
The monarch, however, warned that tourism and economic development must respect the kingdom’s land, waterways, traditions and cultural values.
Also speaking, the President of BCCIMA, Dr Constance Nwokejiobi, said Bonny possessed enormous tourism potential that could drive job creation, preserve the kingdom’s heritage, stimulate local economic growth and attract significant investment.
A major highlight of the summit was the official launch of Discover Bonny, an initiative designed to showcase the island’s culture, heritage, tourism experiences and investment opportunities to Nigeria and the wider world.
With its ancient maritime heritage, breathtaking waterways, beaches, festivals, cuisine and distinctive cultural identity, Bonny Island is now being positioned for a new chapter—one in which tourism becomes a major engine of prosperity.
The Federal Government, Bonny Kingdom and stakeholders have thus set the wheels in motion to transform Bonny Island (Okoloama Kingdom) into a premier global tourism destination.
