Protocol

It is with great honour and optimism that I stand before you today to deliver this keynote address at the WelcomeToNigeria Expo 2025 – a strategic forum that brings together public and private actors to catalyze conversations and commitments towards transforming the Nigerian tourism sector.

2.      Let me begin by extending my profound appreciation to the organizers for the vision and diligence invested in making this event a reality. The chosen theme“National Agenda for Tourism Partnership on Infrastructure Development, Institutional Linkages, Growth and Sustainable Development”is not only timely but also central to the Federal Government’s broader objectives of economic diversification, inclusive growth, and sustainable national development.

3.      Today, tourism is no longer a peripheral sector it is an engine of economic vitality. It generates jobs, fosters cultural exchange, supports environmental stewardship, and strengthens national identity. But to unlock its full potential, Nigeria must take bold, strategic steps to reposition tourism as a viable and competitive contributor to national development.

4.      Tourism cannot thrive in isolation. It depends on robust infrastructure airports, roads, rail networks, hospitality facilities, communication systems, and destination amenities. The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu places a strong emphasis on infrastructure as a driver of national progress. In the tourism context, our Ministry is actively engaging with stakeholders to improve destination accessibility, facilitate tourism corridors, and attract private sector capital into priority projects through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

5.      Tourism development requires inter-agency collaboration and integrated planning. It cuts across transport, health, environment, security, education, ICT, and finance. Our Ministry is strengthening institutional frameworks and aligning with national and sub-national actors to remove bottlenecks, improve ease of doing business, and harmonize tourism-related policies. We are also working with the National Planning Commission and the Federal Executive Council to ensure that tourism features more prominently in national development plans.

6.      Tourism growth must be intentional, inclusive, and innovation-driven. We are committed to supporting tourism MSMEs, investing in human capital development, and embracing digital transformation. New areas such as eco-tourism, cultural festivals, creative experiences, and diaspora tourism present major growth frontiers. Through the National Tourism Masterplan and the soon-to-be-launched Tourism Satellite Account, we will generate reliable data, attract more investment, and measure sector performance more effectively.

7.      Sustainability is non-negotiable. Our vision is to build a tourism sector that uplifts communities, protects heritage, and preserves the environment. We are promoting responsible tourism models that empower host communities, particularly women and youth, while safeguarding biodiversity and cultural assets. Our partnerships with international organizations, NGOs, and academic institutions will continue to drive awareness and capacity in sustainable tourism practices.

8.      The success of our national tourism agenda hinges on partnerships. Government alone cannot do it. We need private investors, destination managers, financiers, local governments, artisans, entrepreneurs, and civil society to join hands in this journey. I use this opportunity to call on the organized private sector to deepen their investment commitments, leverage innovation, and build destination brands that can compete globally.

9.      This Expo is not just another gathering—it is a call to action. Let us transform the ideas and dialogues of today into policies, projects, and partnerships that deliver impact. The Ministry remains committed to providing the leadership, coordination, and enabling environment required to achieve this vision.

10.     In closing, I challenge each of us to take ownership of the tourism sector’s transformation. Let us reimagine Nigeria not just as a destination, but as an experience rich in culture, vibrant in creativity, welcoming in spirit, and limitless in potential.I wish you all fruitful deliberations and impactful engagements.

11.     Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The WelcometoNigeria Expo 2025 was held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory from July 23 to 24, 2025