Senator Ida Calls for 10-year Tourism Transformation Roadmap

Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Ida has called for a comprehensive 10-year Tourism Transformation Roadmap for Nigeria, emphasizing the urgent need to transition from discussion to concrete action. Speaking at the Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exposition, Ida highlighted that decades of discussing tourism's potential have not translated into tangible progress.

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It is direct, it is urgent, and it is the only path forward if we are serious about unlocking the true potential of tourism in Nigeria.

"It is direct, it is urgent, and it is the only path forward if we are serious about unlocking the true potential of tourism in Nigeria," Ida stated. He pointed out that the sector has suffered from a lack of intentional focus and uncoordinated policy implementation, often being treated as an afterthought rather than a significant revenue generator.

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For decades we have talked about tourism as the next big thing after oil. Today, we must move from talk to action. The world is moving, and tourists are making choices every day on where to spend their money and their holidays. We must act promptly and decisively.

Ida proposed the roadmap should include the establishment of a National Tourism Marketing Council and a Tourism Development Fund. He advocated for a shift in focus from mere volume and revenue to prioritizing sustainability, community well-being, and technological innovation. He drew parallels with the success of Nigeria's private airlines, Nollywood, and Fintech, where government support created space for private sector capital and expertise.

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Why is this so? The answer is simple. We tend to regard tourism more as an afterthought, instead of treating it as a real revenue earner.

"The time for the real transformation of the sector is now. Indeed, it should have happened yesterday," Ida declared. He recommended establishing a Tourism Investment One-Stop Shop at federal and state levels and called for a harmonized Tourism Development Levy. Ida stressed that while a National Tourism Policy exists since 2017, its implementation is crucial, requiring clear targets for hotel rooms, tourist arrivals, GDP contribution, and job creation.

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The time for the real transformation of the sector is now. Indeed, it should have happened yesterday.