By Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Tourism expert, Mr. Ahmed Mohammed, has emphasized the economic potential of Nigeria’s tourism sector, stating that if properly harnessed, it could significantly boost the nation’s economy. Mohammed, a member of the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), shared his views in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.
He called for prioritizing the tourism industry to unlock its full economic potential, asserting that tourism is one of the key elements required for any country to experience an economic turnaround. According to Mohammed, for Nigeria to benefit from its tourism resources, it must receive the necessary attention and investment from both the government and other stakeholders.
“Tourism plays a vital role in the growth and development of any country’s economy. If the sector is properly funded and promoted, its impact can be transformative,” he said.
Mohammed further noted that as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy, tourism should be given equal importance alongside agriculture, calling it “the oil of today.” He highlighted that the tourism sector contributes significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by providing jobs for both skilled and unskilled labor.
He urged the Federal Government to take concrete steps in bringing together stakeholders in the tourism sector to create an environment conducive to growth. Mohammed also pointed out the importance of branding and marketing Nigeria’s tourism products, as well as the need for proper training and skill acquisition for personnel working in the sector.
“The human capital required to manage Nigeria’s vast tourism resources must not be overlooked. Proper training and capacity building are crucial to ensuring the industry’s success,” he explained.
Additionally, Mohammed stressed the importance of safety and security at tourist destinations and along routes to tourist sites across Nigeria. He pointed out that the safety of tourists is essential to ensuring repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.
He also called for improvements in data collection to provide more accurate statistics on tourism activities in the country. According to him, better monitoring and evaluation systems would help enhance job opportunities, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.
Mohammed concluded by saying that engaging all stakeholders, from the government to local communities, is key to successfully transforming Nigeria’s tourism sector into a significant contributor to the nation’s economy.
