Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade John, highlighted the tourism sector’s potential to generate significant revenue and reduce the nation’s dependence on oil during a recent webinar.

Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade John, has revealed that the tourism sector has the potential to generate substantial revenue and serve as a viable alternative to the country’s reliance on the oil sector.

Speaking at a webinar organised by the Tourism and Hospitality Industries Thematic Group (THITG) of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), ahead of the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit, she stressed that if properly harnessed, tourism could contribute significantly to the nation’s economy.

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With the theme *”Domestic Tourism: A Powerful Tool for Rural Revitalisation and Economic Growth in Nigeria”*, the webinar focused on the untapped opportunities within Nigeria’s tourism sector.

Ade John highlighted that in 2022, tourism contributed N17.3 billion to Nigeria’s GDP, far less than the 7.5% contribution seen in countries like France.

She emphasised the need to develop domestic tourism to revitalise rural communities, create jobs, and generate revenue.

Nigeria boasts 1,091 tourist sites across 356 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including prominent sites like Obudu, Ogbunike, Osun-Osogbo Grove, Kajuru Castle, and Yankari Game Reserve, which are improving in terms of architecture, wildlife conservation, and ecotourism.

The tourism sector currently supports 1.9 million jobs, and Ade John urged further investment to unlock its full potential.