Lai Mohammed Calls for Tourism Investment to Drive Nigeria’s Economic Growth

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has urged both federal and state governments to prioritise tourism and strengthen private-sector partnerships as a key driver of economic growth.

He made the remarks during an interactive session at Experience Olumo: Celebrating Heritage, Inspiring Tourism, held at the Olumo Rock Tourist Complex in Abeokuta.

Describing tourism as a “viable alternative revenue source,” Mohammed emphasised its potential to contribute significantly to national development if properly harnessed. He highlighted the importance of creating an enabling environment and providing incentives to attract private investment in tourism and the creative industry.

“What we need is for both state and federal governments to give more incentives to investors in tourism and the creative industry. You can never go wrong,” he said.

Mohammed also stressed that Nigeria’s tourism growth depends heavily on infrastructure, noting that the private sector cannot thrive without adequate government support. He pointed out the lack of basic tourism facilities, including purpose-built event centres capable of hosting large international events:

“As we speak, there is no single purpose-built event centre in Nigeria. Davido plays to 20,000 at the O2 Arena. Is there anywhere in Nigeria that can take 20,000? The answer is no,” he said.

Highlighting Nigeria’s cultural strengths, Mohammed said the country should leverage its festivals and heritage to grow tourism.

“Tourism is not just about destinations. We can’t compete with East Africa; they have safari. We can’t compete with Southern Africa; they have Kilimanjaro and waterfalls. What they don’t have is our culture and festivals. Imagine what the UK would do with an Ojude Oba festival?”

He also called for the use of new media and technology to promote tourism and culture, stressing that government ownership of digital platforms is essential to maximise their impact. Mohammed emphasised that meaningful tourism development requires collaboration between government and private stakeholders, particularly at the grassroots level.

“National orientation and tourism promotion should begin at local government levels, enabling communities to take ownership of cultural assets,” he said.

According to Mohammed, with the right policies, incentives, and partnerships, tourism can create jobs, attract foreign exchange, and enhance Nigeria’s global image.

Supporting these views, Mr Bola Basibo, Senior Special Assistant to Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun on Culture and Tourism, said the state is repositioning tourism as a major revenue driver. He noted the ongoing revamp of Olumo Rock as part of efforts to make Ogun a premier tourism destination.

“The governor is determined to make Olumo Rock the foremost tourism site. Beyond rock climbing, discussions about tourism, culture, and history will take place here,” Basibo said, highlighting Ogun’s unique cultural assets like Ojude Oba, Olumo Rock, and the Lisabi story.

Mr Ola Awakan, Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority, stressed the need for private-sector involvement to ensure sustainable tourism development. He commended Ogun for improvements at Olumo Rock and revealed plans to collaborate with its management:

“Moving forward, we will work with Olumo Rock management to replicate this global standard across other underdeveloped tourist centres in Nigeria,” he said.

Awakan also noted that tourist activity during festive periods positively impacts local, state, and national economies:

“Olumo Rock is getting there. The level is better, and this development can be replicated across the country,” he said.

Ogun Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Sesan Fagbayi, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the revamp demonstrates tourism’s revenue potential:

“What we are generating now shows clearly that tourism and culture are the way to go. Reviving more sites will generate more revenue,” he said.

Fagbayi added that the state government is actively pursuing public-private partnerships to further develop tourist sites before the administration ends:

“With the governor’s commitment, we are pushing for partnerships so sites can be fully developed and managed, enabling the state to rely more on tourism revenue,” he said.

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