Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has pronounced that the country is positioned to become a leading global tourism destination, citing its vast, natural and historical sites, vibrant cultural heritage and blooming creative industry.
Musawa spoke when Abuja hosted the visiting Director, Regional Department for Africa, UN Tourism Commission for Africa, Ms Elscia Grandcourt.
The meeting will bring together key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss strategies and innovations for driving tourism in Africa. It aims to promote sustainable tourism development, cultural exchange, and digital transformation across Africa. The event also seeks to leverage AI and innovation to empower local communities, particularly youth, strengthen collaboration among African nations to advance tourism’s role in economic diversification, and showcase Nigeria’s cultural heritage and resilience in tourism.
Musawa highlighted the tourism sector’s contribution to the economy, asserting that the industry can potentially create direct and indirect economic benefits. The minister stressed that the creative industries play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic growth, contributing significantly to GDP and employment.
“As a diverse and culturally rich nation, Nigeria has the potential to become a leading global tourism destination, with its vast array of natural and historical sites, vibrant cultural heritage and dynamic creative industry,” Musawa stated.
“Tourism creates direct and indirect economic benefits by generating income from tourist activities, including accommodation, transportation, food services and entertainment. Beyond the immediate economic impact, tourism stimulates ancillary industries such as construction, retail and agriculture, creating jobs and fostering a more diverse and resilient economy. As more people travel to Nigeria for business, leisure, and cultural exploration, the sector’s contribution to national revenue continues to grow.”
According to Musawa, Nigeria’s creative industries play a pivotal role in the country’s economic growth, contributing significantly to income and employment. With a dynamic and thriving sector encompassing film, music, fashion, literature, and visual arts, the creative industries have become a significant source of income and job creation, particularly for Nigerian youth.”
“his sector fosters local entrepreneurship by enabling individuals and small businesses to tap into domestic and global markets, showcasing Nigeria’s unique cultural products and creative talents. Beyond direct economic benefits, such as revenue from media production, events, and performances, the creative industries stimulate indirect growth by driving demand for supporting industries like marketing, advertising, retail and technology.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s strong partnership with UN Tourism and recognising the critical role collaboration plays in achieving sustainable growth for Africa’s tourism industry, Musawa reiterated that “the sector’s ability to create jobs, promote local talent, and position Nigeria as a global creative hub further underscores its potential as a cornerstone of the country’s diversified and sustainable economic future.”
The Nation reports that at least 20 ministers of Tourism are expected to attend the forthcoming 68th UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) meeting. The meeting will bring together key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss strategies and innovations for driving tourism in Africa.
The 68th Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) is a landmark event that gathers key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry experts from across Africa to discuss strategic policies, emerging trends, and collaborative efforts to advance tourism’s role in sustainable development.
The meeting provides a platform for sharing best practices, addressing challenges, and fostering partnerships to strengthen tourism as a driver of economic growth, cultural preservation, and social inclusion across the continent.
Hosting the CAF meeting allows Nigeria to highlight its vibrant cities, rich cultural heritage, and diverse landscapes, attracting global attention to its tourism assets. The event is also expected to boost Nigeria’s economy by increasing international arrivals, supporting local businesses, and encouraging investment in tourism infrastructure.
Nigeria will also benefit from knowledge exchange and exposure to innovative solutions in tourism, particularly in technology, education, and creative industries. Hosting the meeting is also a good shot at strengthening regional ties, as it fosters stronger ties among African nations, promoting cultural exchange and community-based tourism initiatives that can lead to long-term partnerships.
Moreover, successfully hosting such a high-profile event enhances Nigeria’s reputation as a capable and hospitable destination, potentially leading to more international events and tourism growth in the future.