Tourism experts and industry stakeholders have urged governments at all levels to prioritize infrastructure development, destination promotion and investor-friendly policies to unlock the full economic potential of Nigeria’s tourism sector.
The appeal was made during the ninth Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE), organized by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) in Abuja. The event also hosted the federation’s 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Speaking at a panel session titled “Harnessing Tourism for Economic Growth: State Policies, Infrastructure and Destination Development,” participants described tourism as a viable pathway for diversifying Nigeria’s economy away from its dependence on oil.
The session, moderated by the Convener of Akwaaba Africa Travel Market, Amb. Ikechi Uko, highlighted the need for strong government policies, modern infrastructure and deliberate destination development to drive investment, create jobs and increase tourism’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Hospitality executive, Salman Muzaffar, said quality infrastructure, accessible transport networks, security and proper maintenance of tourism assets were critical to the industry’s growth.
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He called for incentives to attract investors, simplified land acquisition processes and the creation of a dedicated tourist police to enhance visitor safety and strengthen investor confidence.
Director of Tourism at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mrs Ann Nenadi, said ongoing road construction projects across the FCT were improving access to tourism destinations in the area councils.
She added that the administration was positioning Abuja as a leading hiking destination through infrastructure upgrades, tour guide training and the promotion of the territory’s cultural and culinary attractions.
Also speaking, Ibom Air’s Director of Airline Services, Mrs Amaka Echetabu, stressed that delivering memorable visitor experiences was essential to achieving sustainable tourism growth.
The Acting Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Awwalu Yau, said the state was investing in airport upgrades as well as aviation and hospitality infrastructure to strengthen its tourism sector.
Earlier, Uko urged state governments to channel more investments into infrastructure, aviation and tourism assets, saying such investments would attract visitors, stimulate private investment and expand internally generated revenue.
Using Enugu State as a model, he said strategic investments in airports, airlines, conference facilities and hospitality infrastructure had the potential to transform destinations into thriving tourism and business hubs.
“If we could get all our children in the diaspora to come home with their friends in December, this economy does not need grants.
“We only need places for them to visit and spend their money,” he said.
In his remarks, FTAN President, Dr Aliyu Badaki, said the Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition had continued to grow in scale and relevance, attracting investors, tourism operators and delegates from about 15 countries.
Badaki said the federation would engage governments, lawmakers and other critical stakeholders to ensure the implementation of recommendations from the forum aimed at advancing tourism development across the country.
