Tourism Has Potential To Boost Revenue – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has promised to partner the private sector to boost revenue in the Territory through tourism.

Wike stated this at a one-day interactive session organized for Nigerians in Diaspora Organization, NIDO, by the Emerging Abuja Projects in Abuja.

The Minister, represented by the Director of Tourism, Ann Dogo, stressed that the government must partner the private sector which plays a critical role in the development of tourism.

“Tourism has all it takes to rebrand any economy, and when people with passion participate and contribute their quota, the story of this country will change” Wike stated.

“It is very important for the government to partner the private sector to move tourism forward. The government cannot do it alone. There is no country that has done it. The participation of the private sector in tourism is very critical to national development” the Minister emphasized.

He explained that tourism will help in identifying areas to be modified to meet global standards, which will create more room for tourists in the country.

On his part, the Chairman, Nigerian in Diaspora Organization, NIDO, Harold Ogunfemi, who pledged commitment to partner the Emerging Abuja Projects to boost the tourism sector stressed that the project would give Abuja and Nigeria a new face in the tourism world.

He stated that NIDO Europe will sign a memorandum of understanding to legally promote this project.

“This is a beautiful idea, and NIDO will advertise it and bring Tourism experts, both in Nigeria and non Nigerians into Abuja, to see the new emerging Abuja,” Ogunfemi stressed.

On his part, the brand ambassador of the “Emerging Abuja Projects and Former Super Eagles Coach, Samson Siasia, urged Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora to collaborate to make Nigeria a tourism hub.

“We always go to Europe and other places for vacation. Why dont the foreigners come to Nigeria too. I think both Nigerians at home and diaspora should be part of making Nigeria a tourism hub” Siasia stated.

Earlier, the Deputy Coordinator of the Emerging Abuja Projects, Ani Asamah, said the project will make Abuja busy during the festive seasons, attract tourists and increase revenue for FCT.

NIDO has 23 countries under it.

By Georgina Humphrey