2027
By Adebayo Olawunmi
Lagos, Aug. 30, 2026 (NAN) A maritime expert, Engr. Ganiyu Balogun, has urged candidates seeking elective offices in the 2027 general elections to prioritise the marine economy and water tourism as sources of revenue.
Balogun, popularly known as Tarzan, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Sunday in Lagos.
Balogun, the President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), spoke as campaigns for the elections gathered momentum.
He said politicians seeking positions at the local, state and federal levels should present clear plans for harnessing the nation’s waterways.
According to him, the marine economy remains one of the most neglected sectors despite its capacity to generate revenue for all tiers of government.
“Every candidate talks about oil, agriculture and taxes. Nobody talks about the wealth lying in our rivers and oceans,” he said.
Balogun said Nigeria’s 850-kilometre coastline and 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways could earn more than crude oil if fully developed.
He noted that the sector earned only about N242 billion in its first year, against a projection of N1 trillion by the government.
He blamed the shortfall on the absence of political will and the failure of leaders to see the waterways as economic assets.
“Our politicians see water only as a means of transport. They do not see it as a source of jobs, tourism and taxes,” he said.
Balogun challenged aspirants to include the blue economy in their manifestos and commit to developing jetties, resorts and recreation centres.
He said state and local governments could boost their internally generated revenue by investing in water tourism within their domains.
“A local government with a river can generate revenue from it. What is needed is vision and honest leadership,” he said.
The ATBOWATON president urged voters to demand concrete economic blueprints from candidates rather than accept empty campaign promises.
He said the electorate should reject politicians who lacked ideas on how to diversify the economy and create wealth.
Balogun ,however,expressed hope that the 2027 elections would produce leaders committed to unlocking the nation’s marine and tourism potential. (NAN)
AAO/BHB
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