At the recent Stakeholders’ Validation event for the Draft National Tourism Policy held in Lagos, Ngozi Ngoka, Thematic Lead for the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Group at the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria’s tourism sector under a newly developed policy framework.
This comprehensive policy, which has been meticulously crafted by a diverse team of experts, aims to enhance Nigeria’s tourism sector and align it with international standards, while leveraging Nigeria’s unique cultural assets to foster domestic tourism.
Ngoka highlighted the efforts of Ms. Lola Ade-John, who championed the policy’s development to establish clear guidelines for roles and responsibilities within the tourism sector. “When Mrs. Lola Ade-John, she brought a structured approach, understanding that a well-defined policy would clarify everyone’s roles and allow us to meet current international standards. Post-COVID, the tourism landscape has evolved significantly, and this policy captures the new opportunities for Nigeria,” Ngoka said.
A central theme of the new policy is to promote domestic tourism by encouraging Nigerians to explore their own country. “Many countries that rely on tourism began by fostering strong domestic travel. We want Nigerians to appreciate the richness of our culture, fashion, music, and even our growing sports sector, and to travel within Nigeria to experience it firsthand,” she noted, adding that a thriving domestic tourism industry will help make Nigeria an attractive destination for international travelers as well.
The policy also seeks to integrate tourism with other economic sectors, like sports. Ngoka noted that the NESG had previously worked to develop Nigeria’s sports policy, which was signed during the last administration, and she underscored the potential of sports tourism as an economic driver, saying, “Tourism is the foundation of many economic activities, and by linking it with areas like sports, we can create a ripple effect across the economy.”
Despite some bureaucratic delays, Ngoka commended the rapid progress under the leadership of the current administration, noting that the policy process has been expedited with remarkable dedication. “This policy draft was ready by August, and we had hoped to launch sooner. But even with red tape, the new minister has demonstrated exceptional commitment, even going so far as to work on weekends to keep this project moving,” she said, expressing confidence that the finalized policy will soon be tabled for implementation.
Ngoka urged the media to help raise awareness about the policy’s benefits for Nigeria, stressing the importance of portraying tourism as a serious business sector with significant economic potential. “Tourism isn’t just leisure; it’s a critical economic sector. Many countries turn to tourism to revive their economies post-crisis, and Nigeria can do the same,” she added.
The Stakeholders’ Validation event marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s tourism trajectory, as policymakers, industry experts, and private sector representatives collaborate to establish a vibrant and globally competitive tourism industry in Nigeria.
