Tourism will boost Nigeria’s economy — Expert
A tourism expert, Mr Ahmed Mohammed, has stated that Nigeria’s tourism sector, if properly developed, could significantly boost the country’s economy.
Mohammed, a member of the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), made this remark during an interview with journalists in Abuja.
He argued that priority must be given to the tourism sector in order to fully tap into its economic potential.
He explained that for any country to maximise the benefits of its tourism industry, it must be prioritised by the government and other relevant stakeholders.
He also pointed out that tourism is a critical factor in driving economic turnaround for any nation.
“Recognising the role of tourism in the growth and development of the economy and ensuring that it is properly funded will enable its positive impact to be felt across the nation,” Mohammed said.
He further explained that as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy, tourism, alongside agriculture, should be developed as a key sector, calling it “the oil of today.”
He emphasised that the contribution of tourism to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), through both skilled and unskilled labour, continues to grow.
Mohammed urged the Federal Government to take decisive action by bringing all stakeholders together to implement necessary measures for the growth of the tourism sector in Nigeria.
He highlighted that for the country to harness the full economic potential of tourism, effective branding and marketing of tourism products are essential.
“The importance of human capital and the capacity to manage the country’s vast tourism resources cannot be overstated,” he said. “Training and skill acquisition for personnel in the industry are absolutely crucial.”
Mohammed also stressed that safety and security measures must be in place at all tourist destinations, as well as along the routes to these sites, to ensure a secure experience for visitors.
“Tourist safety must be a top priority to encourage repeat visits and positive referrals to future travellers,” he added.
He suggested that the country must also improve its monitoring and evaluation processes.
According to him, there is a need for better data collection to ensure reliable and dependable statistics on tourism activities within Nigeria.
“This will facilitate job creation, enhance cultural exchange, and support sustainable development,” Mohammed said.
He concluded by stating that engaging all stakeholders, from government to local communities, will be vital in transforming Nigeria’s tourism sector successfully.
“Tourism contributes significantly to the nation’s GDP as it is a multifaceted industry that spans various trades, services, and associated economic activities,” he said.
