Investment In Local Tourism Will Unlock Socio-economic Wealth- Dogo

The Director of Tourism in the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Ann Nenadi Dogo, has stressed the need for stronger policy-driven investment in local tourism to unlock greater socio-economic value for the nation.

Speaking at the Emerging Abuja Investment Forum, themed “Bridging Worlds – Turning Diaspora Wealth into Home-Grown Opportunities,” Dogo said the FCT holds vast untapped tourism potential.

She described its cultural sites, waterfalls, islands, and traditional heritage as “policy-ready low-hanging fruits” capable of boosting jobs, enterprise development, and revenue generation.

Dogo said targeted tourism policies would encourage early-stage investment, improve infrastructure around tourist sites, and promote private-sector participation to enhance returns for investors and communities.

She shared insights from a recent cultural naming ceremony organised for foreign guests, saying it attracted global attention and demonstrated the commercial value of indigenous experiences under supportive frameworks.

The tourism director also highlighted Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage, including snacks such as kuli kuli, as viable areas for policy-guided product branding and export.

According to her, prioritising tourism within national and sub-national planning would strengthen diaspora confidence, attract capital inflow, and stimulate innovation across the value chain.

Dogo described tourism as “a living sector,” urging Nigerians at home and abroad to align with ongoing efforts to expand the industry.

Earlier, the National Coordinator of the Emerging Abuja Projects and organiser of “Groovy December,” Dr. Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, stressed the need for a people-driven approach to nation building.

He said Abuja must be repositioned as a major hub for tourism, culture, and investment, adding that national development must prioritise the mobilisation of people as agents of change.

According to him, the Imagine Abuja initiative was conceived after concerns that the city was gradually becoming a closed environment in need of social and economic rebranding.

Dr. Ibe-Kalu noted that the policy proposal for rebranding Abuja received FCTA approval on November 25 last year, with full implementation commencing in May this year.

He said the initiative is anchored on three pillars: social rebranding, Groovy December activities, and destination development, including work at the Karshi Waterfalls.

On his part, Chairman of Abuja “Groovy December,” Mr. Imoh Ebong, called for stronger private-sector participation in entertainment and tourism, describing infrastructure in the sector as a critical economic driver.

Also speaking, tourism consultant and CEO of Caskada Integrated Limited, Mrs. Nanna Dashe Yakubu, said the tourism sector offers strong potential for job creation, peace building, and wider economic expansion.

She urged government to provide enabling policies and infrastructure to attract investors and support small businesses across the tourism value chain.

Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji