Musawa advances Nigeria’s National Tourism Policy for sustainable future

By Kunle Sanni

Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has unveiled a new strategic framework aimed at boosting Nigeria’s tourism sector in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

The announcement was made at the National Tourism Forum in Lagos, where Musawa emphasized the goal of transforming tourism into a vital contributor to economic growth, cultural preservation, and community development.

Musawa was joined by former Minister of Tourism Lola Ade-John and other key stakeholders, who gathered to discuss the National Tourism Policy’s updated objectives.

She highlighted the importance of moving beyond traditional tourism efforts, focusing instead on initiatives that directly empower local communities and preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

“Our mission goes beyond attracting visitors; we are building platforms that enable economic empowerment, cultural exchange, and community growth,” she said.

Former Minister Ade-John noted that the vision to establish tourism as a pillar of national pride and economic strength has remained constant. “The aim has always been to redefine tourism in Nigeria as a source of pride and economic vitality,” she remarked.

The forum, attended by government officials, tourism experts, and private sector leaders, highlighted the role of tourism in diversifying Nigeria’s economy and creating job opportunities. Permanent Secretary Ibiene Roberts, represented by Director Dorothy Duruaku, emphasized that tourism development is critical for cultural preservation and sustainable growth.

A key highlight of the forum was the launch of the National Tourism Masterplan, designed to modernize Nigeria’s tourism infrastructure through public-private partnerships. The masterplan includes upgrading tourist sites, training tour guides, and promoting community-based tourism initiatives. The updated National Tourism Policy focuses on sustainable development, community engagement, and a strengthened regulatory framework.

Ikenna Nwosu from the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) highlighted the importance of aligning Nigeria’s tourism standards with international benchmarks, stressing NESG’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to build a resilient tourism industry.

Dorothy Duruaku and Lolo Ngozi Ngoka, co-chairs of the Tourism Policy Drafting Committee, presented the reviewed National Tourism Policy, which aims to guide Nigeria’s tourism growth sustainably. The policy aligns with both Nigeria’s tourism objectives and global standards, aiming to promote economic and social benefits nationwide.

Industry leaders, including Dr. Philip Maga and Munzali Dantata from the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), participated in a panel on sustainable tourism strategies, stressing the critical role of public-private partnerships in achieving sector-wide goals.