FG to launch national tourism policy, targets sector as key economic driver
The Federal Government says it is set to unveil a long-awaited National Tourism Policy as part of renewed efforts to reposition tourism as a major engine of economic growth and diversification.
Speaking at the Destination Nigeria Governors Tourism Conference in Abuja, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said the administration has identified tourism as one of Nigeria’s strongest opportunities for non-oil revenue expansion.
The minister was represented by her Chief of Staff, Raphael Obi.
Musawa confirmed that the long-delayed policy is now before the Cabinet Affairs Office and will be tabled before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in a matter of weeks.
“Once this policy is approved, tourism will begin to blossom in Nigeria. Investors are already showing interest, and government has given us clear mandates to reposition the sector,” Obi said.
Obi also outlined flagship tourism projects supported by the Federal Government, including the redevelopment of the Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross River State. He disclosed that a privately funded airport at Obudu is 85% completed.
He added that the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) waa installing a 2.5-megawatt power facility for the resort, valued at about $2.5 million, while the Federal Government is investing N5 billion to restore and upgrade key infrastructure.
Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Ola Awakan, stressed that Nigeria’s tourism potential can only be unlocked through deeper partnerships between government and the private sector.
He commended conference convener Ayo Omotoso for driving a national conversation around tourism development.
Awakan noted that each state carries unique tourism assets capable of generating jobs, boosting local enterprise and increasing internally generated revenue if properly developed.
“Let us imagine a Nigeria where tourism is a true driver of prosperity where young people find opportunities in culture and creative enterprise, and where every state becomes a destination in its own right,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Udo Atam, reiterated the administration’s commitment to restoring the Abuja master plan and protecting public spaces from illegal conversions.
He said ongoing infrastructure expansion across the FCT reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to transforming Abuja into a world-class capital city.
“Areas meant for collective use have been taken over as private property for too long. This will no longer be tolerated,” he stated.
