Expert Advocates Tourism Development to Boost Nigeria’s Economy

A tourism expert and member of the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), Mr Ahmed Mohammed, has asserted that Nigeria’s tourism sector, if properly developed, could significantly boost the country’s economy.

Mohammed made the statement during an interview on Tuesday in Abuja.

He emphasised the need for the government and relevant stakeholders to give tourism the attention it deserves to fully harness its economic benefits.

“For any country to maximise its tourism potential, the sector should be given priority by the government and other stakeholders,” he said.

He described tourism as one of the essential components for achieving economic transformation, noting:
“Nigeria’s economy would experience a turnaround when tourism is given priority.”

Mohammed further advocated for recognition of the sector’s contribution to economic development and called for increased funding.
“Recognition of the role of tourism in the growth and development of the sector and to be funded so that its impact can be felt in the economy,” he stated.

Highlighting tourism as a key avenue for economic diversification alongside agriculture, he described it as “The oil of today.”

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He pointed out that the sector contributes significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through both skilled and unskilled employment.

To ensure tourism thrives, Mohammed called on the federal government to engage stakeholders and take decisive action. He also stressed the importance of marketing and branding Nigeria’s tourism assets.
“If Nigeria wants to benefit from the economic potential that the sector is blessed with, branding and marketing of tourism products are very key,” he said.

Mohammed also highlighted the need for investment in human capital, noting:
“The importance of human capital and capacity in manning the country’s vast tourism resources cannot be overemphasised. Thus, training and skill acquisition of personnel who run the industry is very germane.”

He underscored the necessity of safety and security measures at all tourist destinations and transit routes.
“Safety of tourists must be paramount to ensure repeat visits as well as referral to other intending tourists,” he said.

Mohammed called for improvements in monitoring and evaluation, particularly in data collection.
“The country has to improve on its data collection to have a reliable figure and dependable statistics of tourism activities in the country,” he noted.

He added that accurate data would support job creation, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.

In conclusion, Mohammed stressed the importance of inclusive stakeholder engagement, saying:
“Engaging all stakeholders, from government to local communities, would be critical for the successful transformation of the tourism sector in Nigeria.”

“Tourism contributes to the nation’s GDP because tourism is a multifaceted industry that cuts across diverse trades, services and allied economic activities,” he added.