The Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) aims to leverage the potential of tourism to propel Nigeria’s economy and generate millions of job opportunities.
The foundation said the tourism industry, which currently provides 10 to 15 million jobs nationwide, and contributes 3.6 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP, representing over $17.3 billion, in 2022, could be a sustainable alternative to Nigeria’s oil-driven economy.
Chairman of ETF’s Board of Trustees and Governing Council, Lai Mohammed, said this during the unveiling of the foundation and inauguration of the governing board in Lagos.
He said the mandate of the ETF, an initiative of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), includes the creation of an all-inclusive platform for government, private sector and tourism stakeholders and serving as the policy advocacy voice of the tourism industry.
It also aims at positioning Lagos as the partner of choice for global tour operators and leading the global marketing of destination Lagos and, by extension, destination Nigeria.
The former minister, who noted that tourism was one of the most powerful engines of growth globally, quoted data from the World Travel and Tourism Council, which said Nigeria’s tourism will grow by 5.4 per cent yearly (2023–2030), creating 2.6 million new jobs and adding $5.58 billion in revenues.
Stating that the tourism sector has suffered from incoherent voices and fragmented efforts for too long, Mohammed said the Eko Tourism Foundation is expected to harmonise the industry, engage the government productively, attract investments, and create millions of jobs.
On how the Foundation would achieve its mandate, the former Minister listed some of its key strategic programmes to attract investments, human capital development, and yearly festivals to nurture future generations, among others.
Describing ETF as a bold, forward-thinking initiative designed to transform Lagos into Africa’s foremost tourism destination, he sought the cooperation of all Nigerians to unlock the industry’s potential, saying, “Together, let us make Lagos not just a commercial hub, but the tourism capital of Africa.”
President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and founding father of the Foundation, Gabriel Idahosa, while sharing the vision, said the plan is to make Lagos, if not the first, among the top 10 in the global tourism space.
Members of the Board of Trustees include Erelu Dosunmu, Dr Nike Okundaye, Dr Yemisi Shyllon, Karl Hala, Dr Iyadunni Gbadebo, and Dr Tunde Lawrenson. The ETF Board chairman sought the cooperation of Nigerians to unlock the industry’s potential.