Federal Government to Launch National Tourism Policy, Targets Economic Diversification

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The Federal government has announced a plan to launch the ‘National Tourism Policy’, signalling a major effort to reposition the industry as a central pillar of Nigeria’s economy. Officials declared that the sector’s long-awaited transformation is now beginning.

During her keynote address on November 11 at the ‘Destination Nigeria Governors Tourism Conference’ in Abuja, Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, affirmed that the current administration views tourism as one of the nation’s most viable routes to economic diversification.

She indicated that the National Tourism Policy, which has been stalled for years, is now at the Cabinet Affairs Office and is expected to be presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) within weeks.

Raphael Obi, the minister’s Chief of Staff, represented her at the event and stated, “For tourism, you must have heard over time that the only way to diversify Nigeria’s economy is through tourism. Tourism is a major source of revenue and development for countries worldwide.

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“The National Policy on Tourism, or National Tourism Policy, is currently at the Cabinet Affairs Office of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Therefore, our expectation is that this policy will be presented to the Federal Executive Council within the next few weeks.

“I assure you that the moment this policy comes alive, tourism will begin to blossom in Nigeria. We have all manner of investors, and the government has given us certain specific mandates.”

Obi also detailed specific priority projects that are receiving federal backing, such as the redevelopment of Obudu Mountain Resort. He noted that a private-sector-funded airport for the resort is already 85 per cent complete.

“United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) is setting up 2.5 megawatts of electricity just for the resort. And it’s going to cost them almost $2.5 million. Then the federal government is putting in $5 billion to rehabilitate and resuscitate most of the infrastructure that will make it world-class and top-notch,” he explained.

Earlier in the conference, the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Ola Awakan, emphasised that achieving Nigeria’s tourism goals will require stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors. He praised the event’s convener, Ayo Omotoso, calling the conference a strategic initiative with the potential to transform the industry.

States play a crucial role in Nigeria’s tourism ecosystem. Each one possesses unique attractions and comparative advantages that, if properly annexed, can stimulate local enterprises, generate employment, and significantly boost internally generated revenue,” Awakan said.

He added, “Let us envision a Nigeria where tourism is not just an afterthought but a driver of prosperity, where our youth find purpose and income in creative and tourism enterprises, where our heritage sites, festivals and natural endowments are protected and profitably managed, and where every state becomes a destination in its own right.”

Remarks were also given by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who was represented by Udo Atam, his Senior Special Assistant on Administration. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to preserving the Abuja master plan and maintaining the capital to global standards, warning against the misuse of public areas.

“Transforming Abuja into a world-class capital is a top priority for the administration of President Bola Tinubu, and ongoing infrastructure expansion across the territory reflects this commitment,” he stated.

Over the years, in the FCT, as we all know, most of these areas that were meant for the collective use of our people were abused and converted into personal properties so that our wealth, which should have been common, was now seized by specific individuals. He declared that this situation will not persist.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) And Answers

What is the main news from the article? 

The Nigerian federal government is preparing to launch the ‘National Tourism Policy,’ which has been stalled for years, to boost the economy and drive diversification.

When will the National Tourism Policy be launched? 

According to the minister’s chief of staff, the policy is currently at the Cabinet Affairs Office. It is expected to be presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval “in the next few weeks.”

Who is the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy? 

The minister is Hannatu Musawa.

What specific tourism project was highlighted for development? 

The redevelopment of the Obudu Mountain Resort was highlighted as a priority. This includes a new airport (85% complete), $2.5 million in funding from UNIDO for electricity, and 5 billion naira from the federal government for infrastructure.

What did the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, discuss? 

Represented by his aide, Nyesom Wike reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the Abuja master plan and warned against the illegal conversion of public spaces into private property.