By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sector have called on both the Federal Government and state governments to institutionalise tourism policies and treat the sector as a major driver of economic growth, employment, and national development.
The call gained momentum on May 14, 2026, during discussions involving tourism operators, policymakers, and industry experts who argued that Nigeria’s tourism potential remains largely untapped due to inconsistent policies, poor infrastructure, and weak long-term planning.
Industry stakeholders stressed that tourism should not be handled as an occasional cultural activity but as a structured economic sector capable of generating billions in revenue, creating jobs, and boosting local businesses across the country.
They noted that countries with strong tourism institutions continue to benefit from foreign exchange earnings, international visibility, and community development.
Experts also urged governments to strengthen investment in transportation, security, environmental management, historical preservation, and hospitality infrastructure to make Nigeria more attractive to both domestic and international tourists.
According to tourism advocates, Nigeria possesses enormous cultural diversity, festivals, wildlife destinations, beaches, historical sites, and creative industries that could significantly contribute to economic diversification if properly managed.
The renewed push comes amid increasing calls for Nigeria to reduce overdependence on crude oil revenue and expand sectors capable of supporting sustainable economic growth and youth employment nationwide.
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