The federal government says it has generated 300 per cent more revenue than expected in the hospitality and tourism sector, marking a major boost for the industry. Abisoye Fagade, the director-general of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism in Abuja, said the sector recorded significant growth last year. He made this known at an event organised by Style De Vie, a private-sector company focused on strengthening cultural and economic ties between African countries.
Mr Fagade explained that the hospitality and tourism sector was now one of the biggest contributors to employment in the country, second only to agriculture. He stated that the institute was not only focused on generating revenue but also on creating services, adding value, and providing a supportive platform for businesses to thrive. He called for increased investment to drive further development. According to him, “The body language of our government is changing to tourism; the agenda is focusing more on tourism as a sustainable replacement for oil. Tourism in Nigeria is a social bitcoin, if you do not catch up on time now, you will regret that later.”
Rebecca Tabe, the creative director of Style De Vie, said the event aimed to boost investment partnerships among African nations. She noted that the gathering was designed to connect investors, country representatives, and business owners to create business platforms and open up investment opportunities across the continent. Ms Tabe encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to invest in the country and the wider African region to support sustainable growth.
The Tunisian ambassador to Nigeria, Mohsen Antit, described the event as an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange ideas and understand the unique strengths of different African countries, especially in trade and the economy. Mr Antit said the programme would enhance cultural and tourism relations across the continent. He also called for stronger collaboration between Tunisia and Nigeria in areas such as agriculture, trade, and tourism.
