Creative Industry
Nigeria and UAE Strengthen Ties, Explore New Opportunities in Tourism and Culture
Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has emphasized the importance of empowering Nigeria as a gateway country to the black global community, highlighting the UAE’s support in achieving this goal.
The Minister made this known in Abuja on Wednesday when she met with the United Arab Emirates’ ambassador to Nigeria H.E. Salem Saeed Musabbeh Al Mahyoub Al Shamsi, to discuss ways to strengthen tourism and cultural ties between the two countries.
She congratulated Sheikha, the Secretary-General of the UN Tourism, on her historic appointment as the first female Secretary-General, noting that she is opening doors for women, inclusivity, and the power of the global south.
“It is very important for us now, as a country and as a gateway country to the black global community, to empower ourselves in a way that gives us a certain level of independence. Tourism now is power.
“We all know the importance of Tourism globally but we need to have a more curative relationship with the United Arab Emirates. We want to empower ourselves in a way that gives us a certain level of independence,” Minister Musawa said.
Minister Musawa highlighted Dubai’s success in transforming tourism and the potential for alignment between Nigeria and UAE in tourism and culture.
Earlier, H.E. Salem Saeed Musabbeh Al Mahyoub Al Shamsi welcomed the proposals and expressed commitment to strengthening ties.
“The UAE has become one of the top five industrial countries so let us find a common interest in culture and tourism to build a stronger relationship. I invite the Ministry to Abu Dhabi to see the development in Dubai to explore specific areas of cooperation in tourism and culture,” the Ambassador said.
The discussion also touched on Sheikha’s upcoming visit to Nigeria and potential cooperation in culture, tourism, and creative industries.
The UAE plans to invest in Nigeria’s film, music, and fashion industries. The Minister invited UAE officials to explore cooperation areas and assured them of Nigeria’s commitment to deepening ties.
Creative Industry
NTDA, LEXLUC Sign MoU to Unlock Nigeria’s Domestic Tourism Potential
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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