Manny Ita –
Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has unveiled a new travel-market platform aimed at repositioning the country’s tourism sector as a key contributor to national economic growth.
The initiative is designed to connect local tourism operators, service providers, and creative industry stakeholders with international markets, providing them with greater visibility and access to global opportunities. By leveraging digital tools and strategic partnerships, the platform seeks to bridge existing gaps between Nigeria’s tourism offerings and the global travel ecosystem.
Speaking at the launch, the minister emphasized that Nigeria’s tourism potential remains largely untapped despite its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant creative industries. She noted that the new platform will serve as a catalyst for industry expansion by promoting Nigerian destinations, experiences, and talent to a wider international audience.
Musawa further explained that the Federal Government is committed to shifting tourism from a largely overlooked sector to a central pillar of economic diversification. This, she said, aligns with broader national goals to reduce reliance on oil revenues and stimulate job creation across multiple value chains, including hospitality, transportation, arts, and entertainment.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the development, describing it as a timely intervention that could enhance competitiveness and attract foreign investment. They highlighted the importance of sustained policy support, infrastructure development, and security improvements to fully realize the sector’s potential.
The ministry indicated that the platform will be continuously upgraded to meet global standards, with plans to incorporate data-driven insights, marketing tools, and capacity-building programmes for local operators. Officials believe that with consistent implementation, the initiative could significantly boost tourist inflows and position Nigeria as a leading destination in Africa’s travel and tourism market.
