The World Agritourism Organisation (WAO) Nigeria has called for the creation of a United Nations Agritourism Organisation to regulate and coordinate agritourism activities worldwide.
The call was made at the 2nd Agritourism Congress held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, where the country also unveiled its policy framework and guidelines for operating agritourism.
In his welcome address, the President of WAO, Ambassador Trust Ogboi, said that establishing a United Nations Agritourism Organisation as a global regulatory body would help develop agritourism infrastructure.
“Agritourism is globally being practised today in different countries of the world, and different continents, but Nigeria has been able to discover the secret. There is no global regulatory body, and that’s why we are recommending and advocating for the United Nations World Agritourism Organisation as a global regulatory body,” he said.
Ogboi noted that such a body would support global infrastructure development, digital economy stability, rural-urban integration, industrialisation, technological innovation, and new employment opportunities while promoting tourism, leisure, and cultural exchange.
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He further explained that agritourism combines agriculture and tourism to boost economic growth.
“And somebody might ask, what is this agritourism? It’s a combination of agriculture and tourism. It’s a new global concept that is used for global economic recovery, and even in our country. Agritourism will create a value chain in the areas of innovation, shipping, logistics, import and export, science and technology, education and research, internal and external security.”
According to him, agritourism can help reduce rural–urban migration by turning villages into vibrant economic hubs that create jobs and foster development.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for recognising the potential of the agritourism sector and supporting its growth in Nigeria.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation Commends Initiative
In his keynote address, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, represented by Mr Okokon Etoabasi, described the unveiling of the framework as a strategic step towards economic growth, sustainable job creation, and infrastructural advancement.
“This milestone and reality. Today’s occasion, your gathering here, should not be taken as a mere ceremonial occasion, because it marks a defining moment in our national drive towards economic growth. Not just economic growth, but job creation, agricultural transformation,” he said.
He added that the framework aims to strengthen food security, stimulate industrialisation, promote rural development, and position Nigeria as a global agricultural hub.
“So the unveiling of this framework represents strategic steps towards creating sustainable job advancement opportunities in Nigeria. It’s also aimed at strengthening food security and agricultural products, and productivity.
“It’s also aimed at stimulating industrialisation and rural development, as well as improving infrastructure and positioning Nigeria as a global hub for agriculture.”
He reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to developing agritourism not only as an economic driver but also as a pillar of sustainable growth that enhances Nigeria’s global reputation and attracts investors.
Ministry of Agriculture Pledges Support
On his part, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, represented by the Director of Agribusiness, Mr Iwara Bassey, said that implementing agritourism in Nigeria requires careful planning, recognition of local content, and leveraging the strengths and opportunities within the agricultural sector.
He noted that agritourism offers agricultural producers new opportunities to generate additional income and directly market their produce to consumers.
According to him, the Ministry is committed to advancing the advocacy and working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective implementation.
Stakeholders’ Participation
The event was attended by representatives from the Ministries of Labour and Productivity, Aviation, Culture and Tourism, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Turkish Embassy, among others.