The recent emergence of promotional materials for an event tagged “Discover Bonny”, featuring prominent personalities including the Governor of Rivers State, the Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom, and the Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), calls for careful scrutiny of the intentions behind the initiative.
The association of such distinguished figures with an event that many perceive as either conceptually flawed or potentially misleading raises legitimate questions. It is important to determine whether respected reputations are being deployed to promote an initiative that may not reflect the realities on the ground.
This scrutiny is not intended to undermine genuine efforts at attracting investment to Bonny. Rather, it seeks to encourage critical reflection by the organizers, participants, and invited dignitaries. In the pursuit of ambitious objectives, enthusiasm should never replace due diligence.
Can What Has Already Been Discovered Be Discovered Again?
The event’s central theme; “Discover Bonny”, appears fundamentally misplaced.
Bonny is hardly an undiscovered destination. The Kingdom has been recognized for centuries as one of West Africa’s oldest trading centres, with a rich history dating back well over 600 years. It has long occupied a prominent position in commerce, maritime activities, and, more recently, Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Bonny has served as a major commercial hub since the 15th century, became host to Nigeria’s petroleum industry following the discovery of oil in 1958, and has since evolved into one of the country’s most strategically important economic locations. Until the completion of the Bonny-Bodo Road, it remained Nigeria’s most prominent island community. It is also renowned as the only Nigerian town to have hosted Queen Elizabeth II overnight during her historic visit to the country.
Today, Bonny hosts some of Nigeria’s most significant energy assets, with investments connected to global markets across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
Against this backdrop, one must ask: What exactly is left to discover?
If the intention is simply to introduce Bonny to new investors, then perhaps the branding itself requires reconsideration. Otherwise, the title risks creating the impression that Bonny is only now emerging onto the national or global stage—an impression that history simply does not support.
Is the Organizer Ready to Organize?
Another issue deserving attention concerns one of the principal organizers—the Bonny Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.
Conventionally, chambers of commerce exist to coordinate and strengthen the organized private sector. Yet questions continue to surround the Chamber’s own organizational stability.
Observers have pointed to internal disagreements, allegations of weak financial transparency, and governance challenges. More significantly, concerns have been raised over the reported non-termination of the tenure of the current leadership which is already beyond its prescribed mandate, without a clearly communicated succession plan.
Whether these concerns are justified or not, perception matters.
An organization seeking to inspire investor confidence must first demonstrate sound governance, accountability, and institutional stability. Leadership credibility remains one of the strongest indicators of organizational capacity.
If Previous Promises Fell Short, Why Should This Be Different?
Public confidence is also influenced by past performance.
The current Chamber leadership has previously announced several ambitious initiatives, including the Asimini Line maritime project, the advertised Bonny Kingdom Free Trade Zone, access to credit facilities through CoopFund Bank, business support programmes involving Shell Nigeria and other organizations, as well as plans regarding office facilities at the Bonny Consulate.
While these announcements generated considerable publicity, many residents continue to question how many progressed beyond the announcement stage.
For many stakeholders, this history naturally raises an important question: what makes “Discover Bonny” different?
Successful investment promotion depends not merely on attractive publicity but on demonstrable execution.
Will Investors Find Land for Their Investments?
Perhaps the most practical concern is access to land.
Land acquisition has remained one of the greatest challenges confronting prospective investors in Bonny. In several notable cases, the personal intervention of the Amanyanabo has reportedly been required before major projects could secure land for development.
The reasons are not farfetched but well understood. Under Bonny Kingdom’s customs and traditions, land ownership is vested primarily in chieftaincy houses—a position reinforced by judicial decisions, including Rivers State High Court judgment in Suit No. PHC/949/1998, as well as historical correspondence issued by the King to multinational companies.
Given this long-standing reality, one would reasonably expect land accessibility to feature prominently in any investment promotion strategy.
Without practical solutions to one of the most critical investment requirements, promotional events risk generating excitement without creating tangible opportunities.
Is the Security Environment Investment-Ready?
No investment destination can realistically be promoted without addressing security.
In March 2026, a businessman was reportedly abducted from his residence in Aganya Community before later regaining his freedom after an alleged ransom payment. More recently, hoodlums reportedly attacked residents of Boto-Egelebie Community along the Andoni-Bonny boundary, injuring several people and carting away valuables.
Whether isolated or symptomatic of broader concerns, such incidents inevitably influence investor perception.
Security is not merely a law enforcement issue; it is an investment issue.
Potential investors require confidence that lives, personnel, and assets will be adequately protected. This makes a comprehensive security assessment an essential component of any credible investment promotion initiative.
A Call for Preparation, Not Condemnation
This publication does not oppose efforts to attract investment to Bonny. Indeed, Bonny deserves every opportunity to maximize its enormous economic potential.
However, successful investment promotion must be built on preparation rather than presentation. Investors are persuaded not only by speeches and ceremonies but by governance, infrastructure, security, institutional credibility, and practical ease of doing business.
The distinguished personalities associated with this event also have reputations that deserve careful consideration. Their participation naturally conveys confidence in the initiative, making it important that every aspect of the programme reflects the highest standards of planning and execution.
If the identified gaps can still be addressed before the event, the organizers should seize the opportunity to do so. If not, there may be greater long-term value in refining the initiative, strengthening its foundations, and returning with an investment summit capable of delivering measurable outcomes rather than symbolic promises.
Bonny possesses all the ingredients to become one of Nigeria’s leading investment destinations. What it requires is not another discovery, but deliberate preparation, coordinated leadership, and sustained execution.
When those elements align, Bonny will not need to be discovered—it will speak convincingly for itself.