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.

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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.