Nigeria Unveils Strategic Blueprint to Transform Tourism into Economic Powerhouse

The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, on December 21, officially released a landmark report destined to redefine Nigeria’s economic landscape. Titled “Nigeria’s Tourism Economy Unveiled: Sector-Wide Mapping for Economic Transformation,” the document represents the most extensive and data-driven assessment of the nation’s tourism potential to date.

Commissioned under the visionary leadership of the Honourable Minister, Hannatu Musa Musawa, the report is designed to serve as a foundational pillar for policy reform, investment attraction, and large-scale job creation. It signals a shift from viewing tourism as a leisurely pursuit to recognising it as a critical industry for national prosperity.

The study is the result of rigorous research conducted across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. By analysing the structure, performance, and untapped potential of the tourism value chain, the report provides a clear-eyed view of where Nigeria stands and where it can go.

Speaking at the unveiling, Minister Musawa described the report as a “defining moment” for the ministry. She emphasised that tourism is no longer on the periphery of national planning but is now firmly at the centre of Nigeria’s economic strategy, directly aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This sector has the unique potential to drive inclusive growth, empower local communities, and significantly strengthen Nigeria’s global image,” Musawa stated.

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The findings highlight tourism as one of the most resilient sectors in the Nigerian economy. Interestingly, the report identifies domestic travel and community-based enterprises as the primary engines of current activity. To ensure holistic growth, the mapping assessed several key segments: Accommodation and Hospitality, Food and Beverage Services, Transportation and Logistics, Entertainment, Leisure, and Business Tourism

A major takeaway from the report is tourism’s unparalleled capacity for job creation. It specifically points to the high participation rates of young people and women, noting that targeted growth in this sector would directly benefit Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in both bustling urban centres and remote rural areas.

While the report paints a bullish picture of the future, it does not shy away from the “elephants in the room”. It provides a candid assessment of longstanding challenges, including infrastructure deficits, a visible skills gap in the workforce, regulatory fragmentation, and the difficulty small operators face when seeking access to finance.

To combat these, the Ministry proposes a coordinated national framework. This framework aims to integrate tourism development with broader infrastructure delivery, cultural diplomacy, and workforce upskilling.

The report is not merely a collection of statistics; it is a practical policy tool. It sets out a phased, data-driven roadmap for implementation. Priority will be given to improving coordination between federal and state institutions, building more robust data collection systems, and deploying targeted investment strategies to attract global capital.

Minister Musawa concluded by noting that the success of this initiative will be measured by its execution. With this report, Nigeria now has a shared reference point, a roadmap that allows government, private investors, and local communities to align their ambitions with an evidence-based strategy for a more prosperous tomorrow.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the primary goal of the “Nigeria’s Tourism Economy Unveiled” report? 

The report aims to map out the entire tourism value chain in Nigeria to provide a roadmap for policy reform, attract foreign and local investment, and create sustainable jobs.

How does this report align with the Renewed Hope Agenda? 

It aligns by positioning tourism and the creative economy as central pillars for economic diversification, moving the country away from a mono-product (oil) economy toward inclusive, people-centred growth.

Which groups are expected to benefit most from this initiative? 

While the entire economy benefits, the report highlights that young people, women, and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) have the most to gain due to the sector’s high capacity for employment and entrepreneurship.

What are the most significant challenges facing Nigerian tourism according to the report? 

The report identifies infrastructure deficits, a lack of access to finance for small operators, regulatory overlaps, and a gap in specialised skills as the primary barriers to growth.

How was the research for this report conducted? 

The research was a comprehensive nationwide effort covering all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria to ensure that the unique strengths and needs of every region were represented.