The Federal Government has launched a new initiative to harness Nigeria’s tourism potential and the influence of its global diaspora to attract investment, create jobs and improve the country’s international image.
The strategy is being driven through a partnership between the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), with both agencies committing to reposition Nigeria’s tourism industry as a key driver of economic growth, cultural diplomacy and national development.
The partnership was unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja during a strategic meeting between the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and the Director-General of the NTDA, Dr. Olayiwola Awakan.
The collaboration comes amid renewed efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy by unlocking the commercial value of the country’s rich cultural, historical and natural attractions while strengthening engagement with millions of Nigerians living abroad.
Speaking during the meeting, Dabiri-Erewa said Nigeria must take ownership of its national narrative and actively project its positive image to the international community instead of allowing negative perceptions to dominate global conversations.
She noted that the Nigerian diaspora represents far more than a source of remittances, describing it as a strategic network of investors, professionals, entrepreneurs and cultural ambassadors capable of supporting the growth of the country’s tourism industry.
According to her, promoting tourism destinations across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory would encourage domestic tourism while attracting more international visitors and investment opportunities.
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the significance of the Badagry Door of Return Festival, describing it as a powerful historical and cultural experience that reconnects members of the African diaspora with their ancestral homeland. She said the emotional impact of the slave routes provides a unique opportunity to promote cultural tourism, historical education and economic development.
She also called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, private sector operators and diaspora communities to ensure Nigerians become the primary storytellers of the nation’s culture, heritage and achievements.
The Director-General of the NTDA, Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, said Nigeria possesses enormous tourism assets but requires a coordinated strategy to upgrade tourism sites, improve visitor experiences and create a globally competitive tourism ecosystem.
He outlined several priorities, including the development of professional tour guides, improved tourism infrastructure, enhanced standards, tourism expos, private-sector participation, professionally designed tour packages and the establishment of tourism bureaus across the country.
Awakan said tourism has the potential to generate employment, stimulate local economies, attract domestic and foreign investment and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
He added that although Nigeria’s festivals, entertainment industry and cultural heritage already attract international attention, the country’s image continues to be overshadowed by negative narratives that require deliberate efforts to change.
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As part of the new strategy, Awakan announced plans for the proposed NAIJA FEST, a national cultural festival that will showcase the traditions, cuisine, music, arts and heritage of all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The event is expected to serve as a major platform for tourism promotion, investment and cultural exchange.
He also disclosed plans for a Diaspora Internship Initiative in the United Kingdom, under which Nigerians living abroad will undertake nine-month internships in Nigeria to strengthen their cultural, professional and economic ties with the country.
The partnership between NiDCOM and the NTDA represents a renewed effort by the Federal Government to transform Nigeria’s tourism sector into a major contributor to economic growth through stronger diaspora engagement, strategic investment promotion and coordinated national branding.
Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to working together to develop Nigeria’s tourism assets, attract local and international investors and position the country as a leading cultural and tourism destination in Africa.
