The Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, has called on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) to advocate for meaningful infrastructure development in the kingdom, citing its critical contributions to Nigeria’s economy.

The monarch made this appeal during a courtesy visit by a NIPSS delegation led by Rear Admiral A. Mustapha on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The King, who was represented by the Chairman of the Bonny Chiefs\' Council, Se-Alabo Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Dagogo Suoala Claude-Wilcox, expressed appreciation for the visit and stressed the urgent need for federal intervention in the area’s development.

While acknowledging Bonny Kingdom\'s strategic importance—especially in oil and gas, maritime, and trade—the King noted that the level of infrastructure on ground does not reflect the kingdom’s economic value to the nation.

“The people of Bonny have contributed immensely to Nigeria\'s economy, yet we continue to be underserved in basic infrastructure,” the King stated. “We urge NIPSS, as a key policy institution, to help highlight this imbalance and champion our development.”

In response, Rear Admiral Mustapha thanked the monarch for the warm reception and reaffirmed NIPSS’s commitment to supporting national development through strategic policy recommendations. He revealed that the President had mandated the Institute to explore the potential of Nigeria’s blue economy, and that Bonny’s coastal significance makes it a focal point in that agenda.

“As part of our national tour, we are here to assess progress and identify areas where policy intervention is needed. Bonny, without a doubt, is crucial to the blue economy conversation,” Mustapha said.

The delegation engaged in a lively question-and-answer session, signed the royal visitor’s register, and toured historical landmarks including the Bonny Consulate. The visit concluded with a pledge by the NIPSS team to incorporate their findings into recommendations for the Presidency, with special attention to the role of traditional institutions in grassroots development.