Nigeria to Modernize Tourism Policy to Drive Economic Growth
By Patience Ikpeme
Nigeria’s tourism, hospitality, and cultural stakeholders, in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), are working on modernizing the nation’s tourism framework to align with global standards and enhance economic impact.
At a recent event in Lagos, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, stressed the potential in Nigeria’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage, pointing to the sector’s economic promise. She applauded NESG and private-sector partners for their efforts to refresh Nigeria’s tourism policy, last updated in 2005.
The updated framework, which focuses on sustainability, infrastructure, and community engagement, is expected to position tourism as a driver of national growth. Former Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, praised the NESG’s guidance in policy development and highlighted the framework’s potential to unlock Nigeria’s tourism assets for sustainable growth.
Dr. Ikenna Nwosu of NESG’s THECCS Policy Commission noted the importance of a strong policy, particularly in the post-pandemic era, and commended the federal government’s dedication to prioritizing tourism. Dorothy Duruaku, Director of International Tourism Relations, welcomed attendees, while NESG’s private sector co-chair Lolo Ngozi Ngoka presented the draft policy, emphasizing priorities such as digital innovation and inclusivity through stakeholder engagement.
During the event, Musawa and Ade-John presented commendation certificates to the Tourism Policy Review Committee, honoring their contributions to the framework’s development. Stakeholders provided insights in sessions focusing on infrastructure, marketing, and regulatory frameworks, with feedback to be integrated into the policy’s final draft.
The finalized National Tourism Policy, expected by November 2024, will incorporate ongoing consultations. NESG encourages stakeholder engagement to advance Nigeria’s vision for a competitive and inclusive tourism sector.
