
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Bonny Island has declared itself open for business with the official kickoff of the 1st Bonny Investment and Tourism Expo, BITE 2025, a strategic initiative aimed at unlocking the island’s vast potential across commerce, culture, and tourism.
Themed “Bonny Island: A Nexus for Commerce, Culture, and Tourism,” the landmark expo was unveiled by the Bonny Chamber of Commerce, BICC, ahead of a two-phase programme scheduled for June and December 2025.
The initiative coincides with the 60th birthday of the Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom, His Majesty King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, Grand Patron of the Chamber.
Speaking during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, President of the Bonny Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Constance Ngozi Nwokejiobi, said the expo is designed to stimulate local economic activity, promote youth entrepreneurship, and position Bonny Island as a top-tier destination for global trade and cultural exchange.
BITE 2025, according to Nwokejiobi, will serve as both an investment drive and a destination marketing campaign. “It is about putting Bonny on the global map, not just for oil and gas, but for creativity, culture, and commerce,” she said.
“This is more than an event, it is a bold movement. Bonny is the future. Bonny is open for business. We are aligning with His Majesty’s lifelong vision to see Bonny thrive through sustainable development and strategic partnerships.”
Bonny Island boasts strategic investment advantages: a natural deep-sea harbour, international oil company presence including NLNG, Renaissance (SPDC), and Seplat (ExxonMobil), a functioning airstrip, and the Bonny-Bodo Road, a 43-kilometre route connecting the island to Nigeria’s mainland.
“Bonny is not just rich in hydrocarbons, it is rich in opportunity. And now, we are opening up that opportunity to the world,” said Nwokejiobi.
She emphasized the role of NLNG’s VIBES scheme and MSME financing, NEXIM Bank’s Sealink project, and Afreximbank’s Afri-Caribbean trade platform in driving homegrown prosperity.
The Bonny Chamber also lauded the AfCFTA Secretariat and NIMASA for facilitating regional integration and maritime workforce development.
The event’s first phase (June 9–12, 2025) will feature a symbolic lighting ceremony, a Bonny Youth Entrepreneurs Workshop, and a Coalition of South-South Chambers, COSSCCIMA, meeting in preparation for the Afri-Caribbean Trade Forum in Grenada.
The second phase (December 8–12) will host corporate and MSME exhibitions, a food and cultural festival, and business dialogues focused on expressions of interest for the Bonny Kingdom Free Trade Zone and Industrial Park.
“This is about activating the economic engine of Bonny through people-centered initiatives. We want to empower youth, attract investors, and preserve our cultural heritage, all at once.
“For investors, Bonny offers a rare combination: an existing energy infrastructure base, untapped tourism potential, and a culturally vibrant community. For local businesses and young entrepreneurs, BITE 2025 represents a major opportunity to plug into international markets, particularly under the AfCFTA and Afri-Caribbean trade agreements.
“Bonny is not just oil-rich. It is people-rich, culture-rich, and future-ready. What we’re building here is a lasting economic ecosystem anchored in trade, tourism, and trust.”