The Kogi State Hotels and Tourism Board has unveiled a strategic vision for the development of Lokoja’s waterfronts into vibrant tourism, recreation, hospitality and entertainment destinations, as part of its broader commitment to repositioning the state’s tourism sector and attracting private-sector investment.
The initiative follows the Governing Board meeting held on 15 October 2026, at which collaboration with Kaspaland Group, Abuja, an investor in the recreational sector, was approved as a prospective partnership for the design, development and operation of waterfront facilities for tourism and entertainment.
The proposed collaboration represents an important step towards exploring the economic potential of Lokoja’s waterfronts, taking advantage of the city’s unique geographical identity as the historic confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers.
Under the proposed development vision, the Board intends to explore opportunities for establishing an integrated waterfront tourism destination capable of attracting visitors, stimulating commercial activities, creating employment and enhancing Kogi State’s profile as an emerging tourism destination.
NIWA Collaboration for Marine Safety and Sustainable Development
As part of the proposed framework, the Board envisages engaging the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to facilitate the appropriate institutional collaboration required for marine tourism development.
NIWA’s participation is expected to be explored in relation to navigational safety, the regulation of relevant inland waterway activities, vessel and jetty requirements, and the preservation of the aquatic environment within its statutory responsibilities.
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The proposed engagement will help ensure that the development of waterfront attractions is undertaken with due regard to safety, environmental sustainability and applicable regulatory requirements.
The Board recognises that a viable waterfront tourism destination must combine attractive recreational facilities with responsible waterway management, appropriate infrastructure and effective inter-agency cooperation.
Opportunities for Additional Private Investment
Beyond the proposed collaboration with Kaspaland Group, the Board is exploring a wider public-private participation framework that could open up opportunities for other qualified investors and specialised operators.
Potential investment areas include waterfront restaurants, hospitality facilities, recreational parks, river sightseeing cruises, approved water-based attractions, cultural performance spaces, event centres, craft markets and other tourism-related businesses.
The proposed development could also accommodate entertainment programmes, cultural festivals, family recreation, food and craft exhibitions, and activities showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of the Okun, Ebira, Igala and other ethnic communities of Kogi State.
Additional opportunities may arise in infrastructure services, including solar lighting, sanitation, waste management, parking facilities, digital ticketing and the maintenance of public spaces.
Through appropriately structured partnerships, these activities could support the growth of small businesses, expand employment opportunities for young people and encourage greater participation by local entrepreneurs in the tourism value chain.
A Coordinated Public-Private Partnership Framework
The Board’s vision is to encourage a coordinated development approach in which public institutions provide the necessary policy, regulatory and administrative support, while private investors bring capital, technical expertise, innovation and professional operating capacity.
Depending on the nature of each project, possible arrangements may include concession agreements, leases, revenue-sharing partnerships, investment agreements and other legally permissible public-private participation models.
The specific arrangements will be subject to feasibility studies, due diligence, applicable procurement procedures, relevant government approvals and the execution of appropriate contractual agreements.
The Board will also need to establish clear investment obligations, performance standards, revenue accountability mechanisms, environmental safeguards and maintenance responsibilities to protect public assets and ensure sustainable outcomes.
The proposed framework is intended to create room for multiple investors to participate in complementary areas of development rather than concentrating every commercial activity in the hands of a single operator.
Environmental Protection and Community Participation
The development vision also recognises the importance of environmental responsibility and community participation.
Future planning will need to take account of shoreline conditions, seasonal changes in river levels, flood risks, waste management, public safety and the preservation of the natural environment.
The Board also envisages opportunities for host communities, local artisans, food vendors, tour guides, cultural organisations and other tourism practitioners to benefit from the emerging investment ecosystem.
By integrating commercial development with cultural promotion and responsible environmental management, the waterfront initiative could contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable tourism economy.
Expected Economic and Tourism Benefits
When fully developed and appropriately managed, the proposed waterfront programme has the potential to strengthen Lokoja’s appeal as a destination for leisure, recreation, cultural experiences and business-related events.
Its anticipated benefits include increased private investment, new employment opportunities, stronger demand for hospitality services, growth in local enterprise, increased visitor spending and additional lawful revenue opportunities for government.
The initiative could also complement other tourism assets and investment opportunities across Kogi State, supporting a broader destination-development strategy rather than treating the waterfronts as isolated recreational facilities.
The Board’s Commitment
The General Manager of the Kogi State Hotels and Tourism Board, Hon. Prince Philip Olusesan Orebiyi, has continued to emphasise the importance of repositioning the state’s tourism sector through strategic partnerships, improved administration, investment mobilisation and sustainable revenue development.
The waterfront initiative aligns with this broader direction by seeking to transform the tourism potential of Lokoja’s riverfront environment into practical economic opportunities for the state and its people.
As the process advances, the Board will explore the necessary technical assessments, institutional engagements, investment structures and implementation arrangements required to move the proposal from concept to execution.
The proposed collaboration with Kaspaland Group, alongside prospective engagement with NIWA and other qualified private-sector participants, marks the beginning of a broader conversation about the future of waterfront tourism in Kogi State.
The vision is clear: to explore the transformation of Lokoja’s waterfronts into safe, attractive and economically productive destinations that promote tourism, encourage investment, create jobs and showcase the distinctive heritage of Kogi State.
