Culture and Tourism

FG To Create, Promote Nigeria’s Tourism Products In The Diaspora And Home

Published

3 years ago

September 27, 2023

Joel Ajayi

In recognition of this year’s World Tourism Day, The Honorable Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John has said that the Federal Government is set to create, and promote Nigeria’s tourism products in the diaspora and at home.

Speaking at the Abuja 2023 World Tourism Day with the theme; ‘Tourism and Green Investment, the Minister stated that the tourism “products are vast, plentiful and core to revenue generation for the country”.

She added that there is an opportunity to reflect on ways to enhance the contribution of tourism in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015.

According to the Minister, taking tourism to the community level, and showcasing the hidden gems of the villages in all regions of our picturesque and diverse country, is the essence of creating sustainable tourism in Nigeria.

Lola Ade-John identified the key points for the growth and development of tourism in Nigeria as; community Empowerment, collaboration and partnerships, sustainable Tourism Development, Investment in Renewable Energy, and Digital transformation. According to her, all these have a transformative power and hold immense potential for our nation.

The Minister reiterated that tourism products require adequate publicity development, maintenance, and promotion.

She remarked that there are numerous challenges that plagued the industry but the government will gradually, speedily, and successfully overcome these challenges with guidance, support, and collaboration of all stakeholders.

Speaking earlier at the event, the United Nation’s world tourism secretary-general, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, said that tourism is a pillar of our economies. It plays a central role in our societies and in our individual lives. According to the UN Secretary, tourism offers solutions to some of our biggest challenges including the climate emergency and the urgent need to shift to more sustainable economies.

Mr. Zurab further said that the power of tourism is enormous. He remarked that tourism will be made easier for investors of all kinds to support tourism projects with the potential to make a difference.

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Creative Industry

NTDA, LEXLUC Sign MoU to Unlock Nigeria’s Domestic Tourism Potential

Published

2 days ago

October 23, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LEXLUC Global Services and Tours Ltd. to promote domestic tourism, cultural heritage and destination awareness across Nigeria.

The agreement establishes a framework for implementing and expanding the Meet My Town, Know My State tourism initiative, which aims to encourage Nigerians to explore destinations within the country, learn about their cultural heritage and support greater community participation in tourism.

Speaking at the signing, Chief Executive Officer of LEXLUC Global Services and Tours Ltd., Mr Oluwole Ajayi, said the initiative was developed to help Nigeria harness its tourism potential, attract investment and create more opportunities within the sector.

“Tourism is number one employer worldwide. Whether we like it or not, we have to key into it and make sure it becomes the number one employer in Nigeria, too,” Ajayi said.

He also referenced plans for a proposed West African Jollof Rice Championship and Tourism Festival, which he said could complement the initiative’s broader objectives. The proposed event is expected to form part of future tourism activities, subject to the necessary planning and approvals.

Ajayi expressed confidence that the collaboration with NTDA would help advance the initiative and attract investors to Nigeria’s tourism industry.

Director-General of NTDA, Mr Ola Awakan, said the partnership alignes with the authority’s mandate to promote and develop tourism, noting that collaboration with the private sector was important to the sector’s growth.

“It’s a laudable project. We are going to give you national and institutional backing. You are also helping us achieve our mandate, and we are helping you to bring your idea to fruition. So, it is a win-win situation. All of this is in the interest of Nigeria,” Awakan said.

He commended Ajayi for sustaining the initiative and reaffirmed NTDA’s commitment to supporting its objectives within the authority’s mandate.

The Meet My Town, Know My State initiative is designed to raise awareness of Nigeria’s destinations, promote cultural heritage and encourage domestic travel. Its activities may include organised tours, tourism education, awareness campaigns, events and stakeholder engagements across the country.

Under the MoU, LEXLUC will coordinate and implement approved activities, develop tourism packages, mobilise sponsorship and partnerships, and report on progress. NTDA will provide relevant tourism information, institutional coordination, policy guidance and support for stakeholder engagement, subject to its mandate and applicable approval processes.

The signing was coordinated by Head of Legal Services at NTDA, Olufunke Soleye, and Head of Legal at LEXLUC, Mary Oluwatoyin Noibi-Edoze. Director of the Marketing and Promotions Department at NTDA, Mr Olufemi Akinyele, was also present alongside staff members of the department.

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two organisations to expand awareness of Nigeria’s tourism offerings and encourage greater participation in domestic tourism.

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