4
Dada Jackson
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called for greater private sector collaboration, innovation, and investment to drive sustainable transformation in Nigeria’s tourism sector.
The call was made on Friday as the Chamber joined the global community to commemorate World Tourism Day 2025, themed “Sustainable Transformation in Tourism.”
The event convened stakeholders from hospitality, agribusiness, and the creative industries to explore new growth opportunities for Lagos and Nigeria at large.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Tunde Lawrenson, Vice Chairman of the LCCI Hotel and Tourism Sector and Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Eko Tourism Foundation, stressed the importance of partnerships and investment as vehicles for sustainability.
Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, FCA, President of LCCI, noted that while challenges remain in the sector, collaboration among private players is key to unlocking tourism’s potential.
He cautioned against over-reliance on government and urged stakeholders to leverage Nigeria’s globally recognized creative industry to boost tourism. He also downplayed insecurity narratives, pointing out that several thriving global destinations contend with similar challenges.
Delivering the keynote, Comrade Hassan Zakari, former President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria, emphasized deliberate investment in infrastructure and agri-tourism as essential for long-term industry growth.
Other contributors included Pastor (Dr.) Olarewaju Saba, MD/CEO of St. Chris Properties & Investment Ltd; Dr. Amb. Daniel Olabintan, Chairman of the Elders Group, Travel and Tour; and Mr. Aderoju Owosanya, representing the Chairman/CEO of Xtralarge Farms and Resorts.
An interactive panel session allowed participants to engage directly with industry leaders on pressing issues such as youth participation, infrastructure, and the promotion of local tourism.
At the close of the event, a communiqué outlined resolutions including:
Increasing Gen Z and youth involvement in tourism development.
Promoting local tourism through music, film, and cultural heritage.
Strengthening partnerships across agriculture, hospitality, and the creative economy.
With Lagos as a focal point, this year’s celebration spotlighted agri-tourism and infrastructure investment as critical to repositioning Nigeria’s tourism industry for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
Read the full article here
