A tourism expert, Ayo Omotoso, has urged stakeholders, including the government and private sector, to work together to position Nigeria as a top tourist destination in Africa.
Omotoso made the call at a news conference on Monday in Lagos ahead of the forthcoming 2025 Destination Nigeria Governors’ Tourism Conference.
Omotoso, who is the convener of the upcoming conference, noted that the Nigerian tourism industry could become a major driver of job creation, revenue generation, and national unity if properly harnessed.
According to him, tourism is a global phenomenon that offers numerous benefits.
He added that countries such as South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya have prioritised tourism as a tool for driving economic growth and development.
However, he observed that tourism remains one of the most viable yet underutilised sectors in Nigeria’s economy.
He stressed that each of Nigeria’s 36 states possesses unique tourism assets, ranging from festivals and natural wonders to historical and cultural sites.
Omotoso noted that these assets could be transformed into thriving economic opportunities if effectively marketed and developed.
“Nigeria’s unique festival products and tourist attractions can generate significant traffic inflow, boosting the country’s internally generated revenue.
Each state in Nigeria has a unique comparative advantage in terms of tourism products.
With over 45 breathtaking waterfalls across the country, the potential for revenue generation and job creation is immense,” he said.
He further urged state governments to take ownership of their tourism products and actively support domestic tourism initiatives that could contribute to long-term national development.
Also Read: Tourism Can Lift Africa From Dependency On Shared Prosperity — Expert
Omotoso said the 2025 Destination Nigeria Governors’ Tourism Conference would provide a platform for stakeholders to explore tourism as a strategic tool for economic development.
The conference is scheduled to hold from August 25 to 26 in Abuja.
The event aims to help stakeholders uncover tourism’s potential for job creation and harness it as a social and economic development instrument.
The conference also seeks to position Nigeria on the global tourism map, promote peace and unity through cultural integration, and showcase the nation’s rich cultural values.
Omotoso added that the event would feature a domestic tourism expo, cultural showcases, exhibitions, digital innovation panels, and the Nigeria Sustainable Tourism Awards.