The Bonny Chamber of Commerce on December 8, 2025, convened a high-level Stakeholders Dialogue at Finima, Bonny Island, bringing together business leaders, traditional institutions, strategic partners, policymakers, and media professionals to advance conversations on positioning Bonny Island as a premier global tourism and investment destination.
Held under the theme “Bonny Island: Transforming into a Global Tourist Destination,” the event attracted delegates from 42 businesses, alongside representatives of the Bonny Kingdom, Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), Renaissance Africa Energy Company, the Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and other key stakeholders.
Royal Endorsement
The Dialogue opened with welcome remarks delivered by Se-Alabo Abel Attoni, representing the Chairman of the Bonny Chiefs Council, Se-Alabo Dagogo Wilcox, and conveying the goodwill of His Majesty, King Edward William Asimini Dappa Pepple III, Perekule XI, Amanyanabo of the Grand Bonny Kingdom.
He commended the Bonny Chamber of Commerce for championing tourism as a sustainable alternative for economic growth and job creation, urging stakeholders to actively support the Discover Bonny Initiative. He highlighted iconic attractions and events such as the scenic and serene beaches, the Bonny Island Marathon, Finima Nature Park, and the Boat Regatta as key locations capable of projecting Bonny Island positively to Nigeria and the global diaspora.
Strategic Vision for Tourism-Led Growth
Delivering the keynote presentation, Mrs. Constance Ngozi Nwokejiobi, FCA, President of the Bonny Chamber of Commerce, presented a comprehensive framework titled “Transforming Bonny Island into a Tourism and Investment Destination.” She introduced the 8Ps Framework as a practical tool for implementing structured and sustainable tourism on the island.
Drawing on global tourism data and comparative studies from the Caribbean and parts of Africa, she outlined the immense economic potential of tourism and the central role of SMEs and local stakeholders. An interactive session followed, where participants assessed Bonny Island against the 8Ps. While the island ranked highly in access, attractions, accommodation, and activities, participants identified gaps in attitude, packaged experiences, and supporting amenities, some areas that present first-mover investment and partnership opportunities.
Stakeholder Dialogue and Sectoral Opportunities
From Left to Right: Mr. Paul Bazie-Nsaneh, Ambassador Phil Roberts, Madam Constance Nwokejiobi, Dr. Innocent Iyalla Harry, Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji, and Barrister Tomonialadieokuma Ishmael.
A moderated dialogue session brought together notable discussants including Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji, Dr. Innocent Iyalla Harry, Ambassador Phil Roberts, Barrister Tomonialadieokuma Ishmael, and Mr. Paul Bazie-Nsaneh of the NUJ Rivers State Council.
Panelists emphasized the advantages of the Discover Bonny Initiative and called for collaboration across sectors such as hospitality, marine transportation, agriculture, commerce, creative industries, and environmental tourism. The discussion reinforced the need for coordinated stakeholder participation, funding support, and local ownership to ensure long-term sustainability.
Partner Commitment and Forward Outlook
Speaking on behalf of the Tier-1 Strategic Partners, Mr. Evans Krukrubo, Community Relations Manager at Renaissance Africa Energy Company, encouraged Bonny-based businesses to formally sign up for the initiative. He stressed the importance of revitalizing historic assets, particularly the rebuilt Bonny Kingdom Consulate Building, as anchors for sustainable tourism development. He also noted that the Bonny Masterplan would be revisited to align infrastructure and enabling conditions with emerging opportunities.
In her closing remarks, the President of BonnyChamber expressed appreciation to all delegates, partners, and stakeholders, while acknowledging the Bonny Local Government’s absence due to the historic temporary opening of the 36km Bonny–Bodo Road by the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing. She described the milestone as a critical enabler that aligns perfectly with the Discover Bonny vision.
The Dialogue concluded with participant sign-ups via activated QR codes and a rendition of the first stanza of the Nigerian National Anthem, marking a collective commitment toward transforming Bonny Island into a globally competitive tourism destination.
