By Peter Omopo
ABUJA — The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy has unveiled a comprehensive tourism sector report designed to position tourism as a major contributor to Nigeria’s economic growth, diversification and employment generation.
The report, titled “Nigeria’s Tourism Economy Unveiled: A Sector-Wide Mapping for Economic Transformation,” was launched under the leadership of the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa.
According to the ministry, the document goes beyond a conventional sector assessment and serves as a strategic roadmap for unlocking the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s tourism industry.
Officials said the report builds on reforms introduced over the past two years, including the development of tourism hubs, expanded access to financing, modernization of intellectual property frameworks and the implementation of skills development programmes across the country.
The report provides detailed analysis of five key high-growth segments of the tourism economy: accommodation and hospitality, food and beverages, business and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), entertainment and leisure, as well as transportation and travel services.
The ministry noted that these sub-sectors demonstrate both resilience and significant untapped potential, positioning tourism as a strategic pillar for sustainable economic development and diversification.
Speaking on the initiative, Musawa emphasized that tourism remains central to the Federal Government’s economic transformation agenda and aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She stated that the sector offers opportunities beyond tourist destinations and attractions, highlighting its capacity to drive youth empowerment, stimulate innovation and strengthen Nigeria’s cultural influence on the global stage.
The ministry further explained that the report provides policymakers, investors and industry stakeholders with a framework for leveraging tourism to expand economic opportunities, create jobs and enhance Nigeria’s international profile.
Officials expressed confidence that the document would support efforts to transform tourism into a major source of revenue, investment and inclusive growth, while promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and creative assets to global audiences.
