Stakeholders from Nigeria’s tourism, hospitality, and cultural sectors gathered in Lagos for a high-stakes validation event on Nigeria’s Draft National Tourism Policy.
With leaders and experts across industries present, the event was marked by an overarching focus on aligning Nigeria’s tourism landscape with global standards while enhancing the country’s unique cultural and natural assets.
The Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, opened the session by emphasizing Nigeria’s untapped potential in tourism.
Musawa highlighted the diversity of Nigeria’s landscapes, cultural heritage, and economic opportunities, stating, “We have not even begun to scratch the surface of what tourism can offer for Nigeria’s development.”
She praised the collective efforts of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and private sector partners in driving forward this policy. Musawa added that with a collaborative approach, the revalidated tourism policy would position Nigeria as a top global destination.
The policy, last updated in 2005, aims to modernize Nigeria’s approach to tourism by incorporating sustainability, infrastructure development, and community-focused growth.
The draft document focuses on infrastructure, investment, and human resources, underscoring a need for Nigeria to adapt to digital advancements and shifting visitor expectations. Musawa urged stakeholders to actively shape this policy, ensuring it reflects the aspirations of all Nigerians and meets international tourism standards.
Former Minister of Tourism Lola Ade-John, who oversaw earlier stages of the policy’s formulation, highlighted the policy’s importance in unlocking Nigeria’s vast tourism assets.
“We are a country with over 1,400 recognized tourism sites and a dynamic cultural heritage spanning 371 ethnic groups and more than 500 indigenous languages,” Ade-John stated, adding that the policy framework would set the stage for a tourism development master plan. She praised the NESG’s collaboration, which culminated in a comprehensive draft by mid-2024. The policy emphasizes security, visitor experience, and sustainability, aiming to make Nigerian tourism a catalyst for national growth.
Dr. Ikenna Nwosu, representing the NESG’s Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment, Culture, Creative, and Sports Policy Commission (THECCS), underscored the importance of co-creation between public and private sectors.
“This policy is a result of extensive consultations with stakeholders across all segments of the industry,” Nwosu explained.
He noted the necessity of a strong policy to drive tourism growth, particularly after the pandemic, and commended the government’s commitment to advancing tourism through targeted policy updates.
The event closed with a call for all stakeholders to embrace the finalization process, marking a critical step towards repositioning Nigeria as a leading tourism destination on the African continent and beyond.
