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International Journal of Marine Science 2013, Vol.3, No.33, 258-266
http://ijms.sophiapublisher.com
266
by the unique nature of the beach due to the
confluence factor and the provision of some amenities.
In this wise, job opportunities increased through
increase in number of hotels, restaurants, nightclubs
and the provision of necessary goods and services in
the area. Table 3 shows the salary statuses of
employees at the beach. The presence of the open
market at the beach particularly during festive periods
was a major economic booster to the lives of the
people within the region. Provision of fun ride for
tourists on the river through the use of canoes was
equally another avenue for income generation. This
was for a fare of N200 per tourist. The government
also benefited from taxation of goods and services
within the area. The opportunity to meet with
persons from different cultures and backgrounds
was also of benefit to the social life of the people
within the region.
Table 3 Salaries of employees at the confluence beach
S/N
Salary range
Frequency
Percentage
1.
Below
N
20,000
48
61.5
2
N
20,000 -
N
29,000
20
25.6
3
N
30,000 -
N
39,0000
7
9.0
4
N
40,0000 and above
3
3.9
Total
78
100.0
Note: Source: Author's field survey, September 2008
However, certain social vices were also associated
with the activities at the beach. These included
prostitution and robbery. In this vein, the management
of the beach in conjunction with the Kogi State
Tourism Board developed guidelines to curb activities
that may be detrimental to the life and property of
tourists during their stay; most especially at festive
periods. Additionally, the high susceptibility of the
beach to flooding was manifested during the 2012
large-scale flooding of several parts of the country.
This limited access of tourists to the beach especially
at the peak of rainy season.
5.6 Development challenges facing Lokoja
confluence beach
The state board and managers of the beach identified
some problems confronting beach tourism in the study
area. A major problem was the relatively low
patronage compared with other sites or facilities in the
country (such as several beaches in the city of Lagos).
Several factors were responsible for this. Lack and
diversion of funds to other government projects were
identified as a major problem in the development of
the beach. Lack of policy implementation towards
developing the beach was not left out of the list of
problems. Poor power supply to the area posed a
major challenge too while the bridges linking the
confluence point to the beach was yet to be
constructed. This served as a major constraint to
tourists who would like to see the confluence point but
have the phobia for water transport as provided by
canoes. There was need to complete the construction
of some of the amenities at the beach such as the
tennis court and the confluence island as mentioned
earlier while some other amenities needed upgrading
to world standard. It was equally discovered that there
was no police post (to curb identified social vices) or
healthcare facility within the beach territory. The
problem of poor awareness at international front also
came into view as the government had not done
enough to project the image of the beach on the
international scene.
6
Policy Recommendations and Conclusion
Lokoja Confluence Beach had immense tourism
potentials that could aid its development beyond the
present situation. Such potentials included the
confluence point of both Rivers Niger and Benue and
relics of historical significance. In order to achieve the
required improvement, certain recommendations are
necessary. There is need for supplementary funding
from the three tiers of government in order to provide
more amenities and upgrade existing ones. Such funds
are to be disbursed and monitored to prevent diversion
at any level. Revenue generation could be achieved
through collection of token fees to use amenities that
are provided. Furthermore, development of marketing
and sensitization policy (enriched with diverse
strategies and through various media) to attract both
local and foreign tourists would help to improve both