A coalition of indigenous maritime tourism and transportation investors has pledged strategic collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to unlock investment opportunities in Nigeria’s largely untapped maritime tourism economy.
Operating under the banner of Allied Concessionaries and Blue Economy Alliance, the group made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the Lagos Area Office of NIWA, where they were received by the Area Manager, Engineer Sarat Braimah.
Chairman of the coalition, Bolaji Olasade, described the alliance as a consortium of reputable concessionaires and experienced maritime transport operators committed to redefining waterfront recreation and hospitality through the integration of safe and efficient water transportation systems.
According to him, the initiative is designed to stimulate job creation, expand coastal tourism, and open up economic opportunities for littoral communities in Lagos and across the country.
“We are not a conventional association but a consortium of visible and tested operators ready to collaborate with NIWA in developing inland waterways tourism infrastructure. Our focus includes destination marketing, resort promotion, and opening up littoral communities for sustainable economic growth,” Olasade stated.
He added that the coalition aims to reposition Nigeria’s brown water and blue economy sectors into a globally competitive waterfront hospitality and tourism industry.
Also speaking, Secretary of the coalition, Barrister Dorcas Aderemi, stressed the importance of aligning Nigeria’s inland waterways ecosystem with sustainable investment strategies and structured public-private partnerships.
She noted that closer collaboration between the private sector and NIWA would accelerate infrastructure development, enhance waterways utilization, boost government revenue, and strengthen national development outcomes.
The investors commended Engineer Braimah for her leadership, particularly her zero-tolerance approach to boat transportation accidents and security infractions across Lagos inland waterways. They also congratulated her on her recent Nelson Mandela Pan-African Leadership Award, describing it as recognition of her commitment to public service and sectoral reform.
In her response, Engineer Braimah welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed NIWA’s readiness to partner with credible investors.
“NIWA cannot achieve its mandate alone. We recognize the importance of serious private sector players with genuine financial commitment to the industry. Your proposals will be communicated to our headquarters in Abuja to explore areas where you can leverage existing opportunities,” she said.
She further emphasized the need to modernize inland water transportation by introducing new-generation boats and ferries to gradually phase out outdated watercraft, thereby improving safety, operational efficiency, and service value across the waterways transportation and hospitality sectors.
Engineer Braimah concluded by urging the coalition to remain united and focused, stressing that meaningful and sustainable impact must prioritize the empowerment and active participation of littoral communities in maritime tourism development.
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