Nigeria’s tourism industry gets a major boost as Lagos hosts a cultural expo in December, attracting 15,000+ participants and international stakeholders
Nigeria’s tourism industry is set for a significant revival as Lagos prepares to host a major cultural and tourism exhibition this December.
The three-day event, organised by Migbaci Expo, aims to reposition Nigeria’s neglected tourism sector as a viable economic force.
With over 15,000 attendees expected on-site and hundreds of thousands more participating online via social media, the event is being hailed as one of the biggest cultural gatherings of the year.
Akinwale Alabi, the Chief Executive Officer of Migbaci Expo, stressed the importance of intentional government support to unlock the immense potential of Nigeria’s tourism economy.
“Tourism is the way to go. That is the core reason we are hosting this event — to open eyes to what Nigeria has and what we’re failing to harness,” Alabi said.
The exhibition will serve as a platform for high-level dialogue, investment pitching, training workshops, and regional collaboration.
States across Nigeria have been invited to showcase their cultural assets and tourism offerings, creating opportunities for both domestic and international partnerships.
According to the organisers, incentives such as free tourism trips will be awarded to participants, while strategic partnerships are being formed to increase the event’s impact and reach.
Alabi lamented the persistent underappreciation of Nigeria’s cultural festivals and historical sites, noting that the country is “sitting on a gold mine” of untapped resources.
“There is a full year-round calendar of tourism events in Nigeria that neither the government nor the private sector is leveraging. What some countries depend on for survival isn’t even half of what Nigeria has in tourism potential,” he said.
Adding to the international flavour of the event, the Irish Commissioner is among the expected foreign dignitaries. Migbaci Expo is also partnering with the Idea Hub in Dublin to enhance innovation and investment in tourism.
Tourism consultant Ayo Olesin echoed the sentiment, citing global examples of how culture has become an economic powerhouse in other nations.
“In Germany, sipping beer is a tourist attraction. In Cape Town, their wines are elevated and globally respected. Meanwhile, we have palm wine and unique traditions here that we don’t promote,” Olesin said.
Describing Nigeria’s tourism industry as a multibillion-dollar opportunity, Olesin urged for a national mindset shift and deeper appreciation of indigenous cultural assets.
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