The Stakeholders in the tourism industry have urged the 36 State Governors and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to key into the newly unveiled Executive Tourism Mice tagged “Destination Nigeria Governor’s Tourism Conference”.
The unveiling which was done at the first ever Tourism Parliament held in Abuja on Thursday, had in attendance, the Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, ably represented by her Special Adviser, Kelvin Ikegwuonu, the Gambia High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohamadou Musa Njie among others.
In her speech, the Minister of Tourism, Ade-John has said that Nigeria is blessed with an abundance of natural and cultural resources from pristine beaches and lush rainforest to rich historical sites and vibrant cultural heritage.
She noted that these assets, if harnessed effectively, can be transformed into a gold mine of opportunities, while emphasized the vast potential of tourism as a key driver of job creation and economic diversification in Nigeria.
She said strategically developed tourism could generate employment across various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, and arts and crafts, with ripple effects that could significantly impact the economy.
According to her, “Tourism can be a lifeline for our teenage youth population, offering gainful employment and entrepreneurship avenues. Moreover, tourism is a key to economic diversification. By reducing over-excellence on oil and build a more resilient, sustainable economy.
Ade-John who called on Governors and other partners to prioritize tourism development in their respective locations, states, explained that many of these assets don’t belong to the Ministry, or federal government but to the States.
The Minister stated that by investing in infrastructure, provide enabling environment for businesses and promoting the country’s unique selling points, saying this can collectively position the country as a world-class tourism destination.
Speaking on the theme of the event: “Tourism as a Catalyst for Job Creation and Economic Diversification,” the Gambia High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohamadou Musa Njie said this holds profound significance for all, which is not merely a discussion; but a call to action.
He therefore invited everyone to acknowledge the transformative power of tourism and its potential to shape the economic destiny of the nations.
The High Commissioner stated that with Nigeria’s vast and diverse cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, vibrant communities, the country has great potential to utilize tourism for job creation, wealth generation, and economic growth.
He said, “We understand that the Nigerian tourism sector has its own challenges, similar to any other industry, but developing a strategic tourism policy with specific, sustainable programs at all levels is crucial. 
“Prioritizing access to these assets and investing in tourism infrastructure are essential steps. With these components in place, tourism has the potential to become one of Nigeria’s most valuable assets, considering the nation’s abundant natural and cultural resources.
“The key lies in leveraging these natural assets to attract both local and international visitors while also supporting communities where these assets are situated. This approach can create jobs and economic opportunities at all levels.
“Involving local communities and private sector players across the tourism value chain, from hospitality to cultural exhibitions, will ensure that the benefits of this sector are felt far and wide.
“This inclusivity not only enhances the visitor experience but also strengthens the very fabric of society, foster sense of ownership and pride among the people”, the Gambia High Commissioner added.
The Director-General of National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, Nura Sani Kangiwa stated that by investing in tourism, the Govt can create new job opportunities for the communities, supporting local artisans, hospitality workers, tour guides etc.
Kangiwa implored the Governors and by extention local government chairmen while calling them for action, implored them to work together in harnessing the power of tourism to promote sustainable practices, protect the natural resources and celebrate the country’s cultural identity.
Speaking on the newly unveiled Executive Tourism Mice, in an interview, the convener, Amb. Ayo Omotoso said his Organization has partnered with the Nigerian Governors Forum to give this initiative the edge to reach out to Governors in the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory.
Omotoso who thanked the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating Tourism Ministry said no doubt, there are some Governors that are tourism-friendly in Nigeria. “But we want to incorporate all the 36 states plus FCT into this project, they are all. “Because tourism is life, and it’s like policies.
“We’ve to go live, because of what they do, the policies. And so we’ve to just embrace it, and moving forward by creating employment for the teaming Nigerian youths. Because tourism is the highest employer of labor. So, with this, we are using this opportunity, the media, to communicate effectively to the Nigerian Governors”, he said.
Other guest speaker at the event was the ex-Director General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation now the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority, Madam Sally Mbanefo and other notable tourism dignitaries.
