Culture

Nigeria’s tourism sector nears new era with draft national tourism policy validation

Published

2 years ago

November 8, 2024

Nigeria National Tourism Policy, sustainable tourism Nigeria, Hannatu Musawa tourism policy

Stakeholders gathered in Lagos to validate Nigeria’s Draft National Tourism Policy, focusing on sustainability, community engagement, and digital innovation to elevate Nigeria’s tourism sector to global standards.

Major stakeholders from Nigeria’s tourism, hospitality, and cultural sectors convened in Lagos for a landmark event to validate the Draft National Tourism Policy.

The gathering, hosted by the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), underscores a renewed commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s tourism landscape.

Also read: Governor Fubara begins revitalisation of Port Harcourt tourist beach for Arts, Culture, and Tourism

The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, inaugurated the event, emphasising Nigeria’s immense but underutilised tourism potential.

Musawa highlighted the country’s rich heritage, diverse landscapes, and the economic possibilities they offer, commending NESG and private partners for their collaboration on a policy not revised since 2005.

With its focus on sustainability, infrastructure, and community engagement, the revised policy aims to transform the tourism sector, making it a key driver of national economic growth.

Former Tourism Minister, Lola Ade-John, who contributed to the original policy framework, lauded the ongoing efforts, underscoring the policy’s potential to unlock Nigeria’s vast tourism assets. Ade-John further commended NESG’s role in providing crucial guidance for a progressive tourism policy.

Representing NESG, Dr. Ikenna Nwosu, Facilitator for the Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment, Culture, Creative, and Sports Policy Commission, spoke on the significance of a robust tourism framework and public-private partnerships, especially in the post-pandemic landscape.

He recognised the Federal Government’s commitment to the tourism sector, positioning it as a central pillar for economic recovery.

The event highlighted extensive contributions from over 200 industry professionals, strengthening the policy’s foundation.

Lolo Ngozi Ngoka, NESG’s thematic Lead for Tourism and Hospitality Industries, presented the draft policy, outlining key priorities: diversifying Nigeria’s tourism offerings, fostering inclusivity, and advancing digital innovation to elevate Nigeria’s global appeal.

The validation session featured a panel discussion with industry experts, who assessed the policy’s potential impact.

Breakout sessions enabled focused conversations on key themes like infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and marketing. Participants shared feedback, which will be integrated into the final policy draft.

The revised National Tourism Policy is set for completion in November 2024, with continued consultations to ensure an inclusive and impactful framework for Nigeria’s tourism sector.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”