UN Tourism and Eko Tourism Foundation partner to establish a tourism academy in Lagos, boosting Nigeria’s status as Africa’s leading tourism hub
UN Tourism and the Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) have announced plans to establish a tourism academy in Lagos, a move designed to promote the state as Africa’s leading tourism hub.
The partnership was formalised during a roundtable meeting in Lagos, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Both organisations said the initiative aligns with ETF’s mission to showcase the rich tourism potential across Lagos State and strengthen the city’s global visibility.
Leading the ETF delegation, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, former Minister of Information and Culture and Chairman of the foundation’s Board of Trustees, expressed optimism that the collaboration would “transform Lagos into the continent’s tourism capital.”
Representing UN Tourism, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, the organisation’s Secretary-General, said Lagos possesses all the elements of a thriving tourism destination from its fashion and festivals to its gastronomy and nightlife.
Pololikashvili pledged support for the development of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) infrastructure in the city, describing it as key to attracting global visitors.
He also accepted an invitation to serve as Patron and honorary member of ETF in recognition of his contribution to sustainable tourism development worldwide.
Mohammed, meanwhile, dismissed widespread concerns about insecurity in Nigeria as “grossly exaggerated,” noting that visitors who recently toured the country often expressed surprise at its safety and vibrancy.
He highlighted “Detty December” as evidence of Lagos’ growing reputation as a global cultural hotspot, adding that the city hosts over 20,000 events monthly, underscoring the need for more purpose-built venues to sustain its booming entertainment industry.
“Such infrastructure,” he said, “will enable international stars like Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid to stage major concerts locally instead of abroad.”
Mohammed added that ETF was founded to foster collaboration between government and private sector players in tourism and to market Destination Lagos and by extension, Destination Nigeria as a driver of sustainable socio-economic growth.
The ETF delegation also included Erelu Abiola Dosumu, Dr. Tunde Lawrenson, Karl Hala, Abiola Adelana, and Sharon Ashinze. UN Tourism officials accompanying Pololikashvili were Elcia Grandcourt, Shirin El Tayan, and Kojo Bentum-Williams.
With this new academy, both organisations aim to strengthen local expertise, attract investment, and turn Lagos into a world-class tourism education and innovation centre.
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