- The House of Representatives Committee on Tourism expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to fully leverage its vast tourism potential
- Chairman Muhammed Muktar emphasized the need for a unified approach to develop Nigeria’s tourism sector and enhance economic contributions
The House of Representatives Committee on Tourism and the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s inability to fully harness its vast tourism potential to boost its economy significantly.
Rep. Muhammed Muktar, Chairman of the Committee, observed a meeting with the management of NIHOTOUR on Tuesday.
At the meeting, Muktar highlighted Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and stunning landscapes as underutilized assets that could propel the country to global recognition in tourism.
“Tourism, as you know, is a dynamic sector, and our collaborative efforts will be instrumental in driving its growth and development,” he said.
He pointed out that despite the immense opportunities in tourism, Nigeria has not leveraged these resources effectively.
He cited the example of Spain, where the tourism sector contributed over $250 billion to the economy in 2022, accounting for approximately 12% of its GDP.
He noted that this achievement resulted from a well-structured tourism framework and strategic utilization of cultural and natural resources.
The Committee Chairman stressed the need for a unified approach to address challenges and develop strategies to elevate Nigeria’s tourism sector to global standards.
“We believe in the power of collective wisdom and teamwork. Only by working as a united body can we effectively address the challenges and maximize the opportunities in the tourism sector,” Muktar said.
The meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration between government agencies and stakeholders to unlock the sector’s full potential and ensure it significantly contributes to the nation’s economic growth.