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Tag: NTDC

  • Immigration boss backs domestic tourism

    Immigration boss backs domestic tourism

    “I am happy that you have discovered what is necessary and needed to unlock the hidden potentialities of this sector. You will discover that most countries reaping bountifully from tourism today, first of all, looked inward, took tourism inventory in their countries, drove the consciousness in their own people, developed the sites, enhanced them and invited foreigners to see.

    “This is exactly what Nigeria needs to do and it gladdens my heart that you are not only talking it but doing everything practically possible to bring it to be. This is good.”

    This remark was made by the Comptroller-General of Nigerian Immigration Services, Mr David Parradang, when the Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo, visited him in Abuja.

    The Immigration boss assured NTDC of his support, especially in evolving a sustainable vision to kick-start the blossoming of the tourism sector in Nigeria. Parradang  said he was particularly happy that Mrs Mbanefo has been living up to expectation and  spreading the gospel of domestic tourism in Nigeria,  which he described ‘as the magic and a potent instrument capable of jump-starting and kindling the zeal  of tourism consciousness in the nation’.

    He noted that statistic within the agency revealed that foreigners love to visit Nigeria tourism sites but informed that  some of them are skeptical about the status  and facilities available in these sites adding  ‘these are the areas which your organisation needs to work on.’

    The CGI  used the opportunity to highlight  what the agency has put in place to further the cause of tourism and tourists  saying that  ‘the focal points of his administration, which is hinged on capacity building, robust border patrol, deployment of appropriate technology for  monitoring  and statistical analysis  of foreigners  and tourists in Nigeria.’

    Mr. Parradang disclosed that “the Federal Government has made Nigerian visa procurement easy and smooth. “The Operation getting visa at point of entry has kicked off.  There are facilities on ground now, where you can renew your visa in a day and there is no room for delay in obtaining Nigeria visa any longer.”

    He reiterated the desire of the agency not only to partner with NTDC, but to collaborate in any way that could add value to the domestic tourism vision of Mrs. Mbanefo.  “Whatever the case is and may be, just be assured that the Nigeria Immigration Service is not only in alliance with your vision of promoting domestic tourism but ready to support and collaborate with your corporation for the lifting of Nigeria’s tourism status among the comity of tourism states.”

    Mrs. Mbanefo commended the immigration boss for having a good grasp of the tourism sector saying, ‘I am impressed by your brilliant overview and suggestion about the tourism sector, which revealed the fact that you are not only a thoroughbred immigration boss but one with informed global perspective of tourism trends.

    ‘This is a good sign for us at NTDC. NIS is a very important stakeholder to NTDC and it will be unwise if I did not pay respect to you and seek collaboration and advice. As partner in progress, we want a strong partnership with Nigeria Immigration Service, in the area of easy Visa regime for the entire tourists that will attract foreign investors. She disclosed that ‘we are here to strengthen and lubricate  the chord of  relationship and collaboration, which should be between  the Immigration Service and NTDC, the two Siamese twins of the travel and tourism sector.’

    Mrs Mbanefo said no tourism agency can make any meaningful impact without a strategic partnership with the immigration service. “Our paying you this visit is to tell and show you our respect and appreciation of your import and essence to the tourism sector and the domestic tourism vision. We are happy that we met a man who is well grounded in what we are about to sell to him. This has made my work smooth,” she said.

    She disclosed that no serious tourism driver of a nation would undermine the position and essence of Immigration service because “statistical data and effective border control is essential to the growth of tourism and protection of the nation’s security and integrity”

    Mrs. Mbanefo commended the Immigration boss for his sense of duty and the warm reception accorded her delegation. “We commend you for your warm reception, enlightenment and assurance of collaboration and support, we are leaving here re-energised, re-invigorated  and with the assurance of having a productive partner in Nigeria Immigration Service,” she said.

  • FTAN partners NTDC on domestic tourism

    The Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN) has pledged to partner Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, (NTDC) on its mission to re-position domestic tourism for national development.

    FTAN President, Chief Tomi Akingbogun made the pledge while discussing with the Director-General of NTDC Mrs Sally Mbanefo on areas of collaboration with the corporation.

    Chief Akingbogun, who was accompanied by members of the executive council of the association, commended Mrs Mbanefo for the initiative to foster collaboration between the two organisations adding that FTAN is an umbrella body for all tourism associations in the country.

    “Your organisation drives the tourism vehicle while we make sure that the  vehicle  is not  only occupied  but  that the passengers have an evergreen and memorable experience on ground,” Chief Akingbogun  said, noting that the major roles of the federation include to consult, advise and represent the private sector in policy formulation and  implementation.

    He also commended Mrs Mbanefo for offering the sector a new vista via the domestic tourism campaign, which he said, if embraced by Nigerians would expand the scope of business for tourism stakeholders.

    “You have instilled confidence of purpose in the Sector since you assumed office. You are sequentially living up to your promises and implementing your programmes of action. Your performance at the World Travel Market in London last year vividly showcased you as a lady of purpose and promise. We are here not only to assure you of our support and willingness to collaborate with you but to identify with your vision,” he said.

    Mrs. Mbanefo who lauded the initiative of FTAN described it as a right move in right direction, adding that partneering FTAN on regular basis will enhance private sector collaboration and help in marketing and promotion of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

    She said that her duty is to fast track acts and activities, which can help in promotion of domestic tourism in Nigeria “I am glad to have a willing partner in FTAN. I am happy the association has keyed into the domestic tourism vision. It is a testimony that there is a hope of bloom for the tourism sector.” Mrs. Mbanefo stressed that FTAN would be a strategic partner with NTDC “as we need all hands on deck to make tourism grow”.

    She recalled some programmes she has engendered since her appointment which include organising stakeholders meeting for both private and public sectors, signing of MOU with various private sector such as ABC Transport, Arik Airline, Redington Hospital, Visa, Heritage Bank and Turkish Nigeria Chamber, reconstruction of NTDC House  (Green House), training of staff for professional tour guide with NIHOTOUR, interaction and networking with ministers of African Countries all cultivating honour, advancing the cause of Nigeria, and at present visiting  the six geo political zones  to  identify, authenticate and prioritise the development and enhancement of the tourist attractions. She said that “the essence of my appointment is to bring in private sector experience and drive the public sector to be able to shift focus from over dependence on government subversion for funding”.

  • Deputy governor praises NTDC chief

    Deputy governor praises NTDC chief

    Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, has described the Director-General (DG) Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo as a light in the dark corridors of the nation’s tourism sector.

    The deputy governor spoke in Akure when the DG was guest of the state at the last Mare Festival in Idanre.

    He stated that considering the three-pronged strategic imperatives embarked upon by the corporation in the last six months; the DG has commenced the transformation of the sector in earnest.

    “You are a light planted by the President Dr Goodluck Jonathan to light up the dark corridor of the tourism sector and you have commenced this vision in earnest. Your coming to Ondo state at this point in time is a sign of good things to come  to the tourism sector in the state and in Nigeria. We welcome you with all our hearts and we assure you of a splendid time with us,” he said.

    Mrs. Mbanefo toured some tourism sites, such as the Medical Tourism Village in Laje, Ondo (that houses the Trauma Centre), the Gani Fawehinmi Diagnostic Centre and the Mother and Child Hospital to authenticate the state of tourism sites in the state.

    Impressed by what she saw of the sites, she pledged to support and facilitate cultural festivals and programmes organised by Ondo State that emphasise unity, stability and peaceful co–existence of Nigerians to grow domestic tourism. She said such partnership is part of her initiatives at rebuilding and growing the nation’s tourism value chain, especially domestic tourism.

    The NTDC boss described Idanre Hill as a uniquely blessed city of rocks, saying: “When I went to Abeokuta, I thought it was the best of a city on a hill until I entered Idanre. This is the real city, which should be called Abeokuta.”

    She also toured the Dome Village, which is the biggest Conference Tourism Event Centre in Nigeria being built by the Ondo state government. She commended Governor Segun Mimiko for ‘preparing Ondo state as a preferred tourism city in Nigeria.’

    She also commended the late Deji Falae for his efforts at promoting tourism and culture in the state, and identified Mare Festival as one of the vibrant pillars of domestic tourism.

    Her commitment and dedication to grow the tourism sector was further reaffirmed by one of the guest speakers at the opening ceremony of Mare Festival when she described her as ‘an extremely beautiful and intelligent lady who has a firm grip and understanding of the tourist industry. We are  happy you are here and you dancing with the local and proving to all that you are a real African woman, willing and serving the nation with all your breath and beauty.’

    Mrs Mbanefo, who was thrilled by the cultural wealth in Ondo State as demonstrated by the exciting cultural performances of the state troupe could not hold back her feelings as she joined the group in dancing. She described Idanre Hill as an exciting arrangement of rocks, which dwarf those in Switzerland.

    Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade led the state delegation that included Ondo State Commissioner for Housing Dr.  A Omoloja and Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Akinroye Modupe to receive Mrs. Mbanefo. Akinmade commended Mrs. Mbanefo for honouring the state’s invitation to be special guest at the Mare Festival hosted in the honour of the former Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, the late Deji Falae.

    “The government and the people of Ondo State are happy to welcome you to the state where the sun shines for all. We are grateful for honouring our invitation to Mare Festival. We are also happy because you are the first director-general of NTDC not only to visit the state but deemed it fit to honour our invitation to Mare.

    We assure you of an evergreen memory of your visit to Ondo State,” he said.

    NTDC boss has since assumption of office over six months ago, commenced the phased overhauling of the tourism sector with a three-pronged strategy that includes rebuilding the NTDC, growing the tourism value chain and re-inventing Nigeria’s tourism industry.

     

  • ‘Art is dear to my heart’

    ‘Art is dear to my heart’

    The Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corportation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo, is a lawyer, banker and self-taught artist. She speaks on her passion for art and why she will retire to art in this interview with Assistant Editor (Arts) Ozolua Uhakheme

     

    A large-sized photograph of the Virgin Mary with other Roman Catholic insignia stands at the door post. The collections reveal only a part of the host, a devout Roman Catholic. But, her other parts, unknown to many, are tucked behind her door.

    As the door opens, the guest is faced with the big picture: collection of colourful paintings hanging on the walls of the living room and study/studio, thus creating a picturesque many guests can’t ignore.

    Apart from paintings and drawings, some reference books on art grace her shelves. They include the biographies of Michelangelo, Klimt (Life and Work), Fabian Perez, Jack Vettriano, Frederick Hart, Rene Magritte, Auguste Rodin (Master Sculptor), The Work, The Man, The Big Picture-paintings in Paris, and four of her father’s (Chief Raph Uwechue) publications: Africa’s Who Is Who, Africa Today, Makers of Modern Africa, and Reflections on the Nigerian Civil War (Facing the future). All these books are inspirational to her.

    Welcome to the Ikoyi, Lagos residence of the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs Sally Mbanefo. It is like a mini art gallery of sorts.

    Confronted with such collections, not many guests will walk into the flat untouched by the themes of the paintings and drawings adorning the walls. In fact, the paintings are arranged in series and sections. From realism to abstract, surreal, portraiture and expressionism they offer a rich bouquet of expressions that dwells on nature, mask, nudity and horses among others. In one of the paintings on nudity, she explained that nudity reflects the true state of man, while mask tell of man’s pretence and deceit.

    Mrs Mbanefo, a former banker and top staffer of Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria Plc, is a lawyer, but with a passion for art. Despite studying Law, she never allowed her talent in art to suffer. At an early age, she discovered her talent in art and followed it up but she did not attend any art school to learn the basics of painting and drawing.

    The self-taught artist said she studied Law not because she was not interested in Fine Art but because that (Law) was her choice. Her first painting on environment was done 31 years ago. “Art comes to me naturally because I always love to be alone, and that allows me to focus on art. In fact, I prefer to detach myself when I am annoyed as it helps me to express myself. My first painting was done in 1982 and I had my first group exhibition during a talent hunt competition organised by IMB Plc in 1990. Interestingly, I won the most talented staff from the competition,” she recalled.

    She noted that if she had not studied Law, Fine Art would have been the next option, saying she would still go to art school to study sculpture, especially raisonne. Her preferred choice medium is acrylic as against the popular oil. “These days, I am very busy so acrylic will meet my desire in terms of time. Sometime, I am so desperate to paint but time constraint will not permit me. Since I got the new job at NTDC, I have not painted. So, acrylic is ideal as it dries faster than oil,” she said noting that it also allows her to manipulate figures and forms easily. Interestingly, she is at her best while on sick bed.

    Apart from nature and environment, one common trace in her paintings is the presentation of human anatomy. “I love human body, form and outlines. And I have produced hundreds of paintings all in my private collections except those I gave out as gifts. I don’t paint for commercial interest. Art is my soul and my heart,” she added.

    When asked of her favourite Nigerian master artist, she named the founder of Niger Delta Cultural Centre, Agbarha-Otor and initiator of Harmattan Workshop, Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya, saying his works and techniques are very intense. “He tells story of our past in his works as he makes the viewers to think deep. Other artists I cherish their works are Tola Wewe, Joe Musa and Rom Isichie,” she added.

    On tourism promotion in line with her three-fold strategic imperative for moving the sector forward, she identified the Osun, Ekiti and Ondo tourism corridors as her top priority states in the Southwest. She said that following the authentication of sites across some states in the past six months, the Southwest has a wide range of sites that would interest tourists. These, she said, included medical tourism in Ondo State’s Mother and Child Hospital, Ekiti State’s rolling hills, Ikogosi warm spring and waterfalls, and Osun State’s Osun Osogbo Festival among others.

    She said that next year, NTDC would play a prominent role in the Osun Osogbo Festival, especially on how best to repackage the festival and give it international exposure. “Tourism is beyond festivals and carnivals as the core thing is how to make the sites appealing and attractive to both domestic tourists and foreigners. And the posturing and packaging must be done excellently. There are thousands of strategies, what differentiate each one is the culture of implementation: sharing common goal or vision”.

  • NTDC to support Mare,other festivals

    NTDC to support Mare,other festivals

    The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC, has promised to support and facilitate cultural festivals and programmes which emphasise unity and stability and promote peaceful co-existence of the nation to grow domestic tourism.

    The Director-General , Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, made the assurance in Ondo State, while delivering her speech at Idanre during the celebration of Mare Mountain Climbing Festival held in honour of the late Deji Falae, the erstwhile Ondo State Commissioner of Culture and Tourism.

    The Director- General, who was thrilled by the cultural wealth in Ondo State which was put on display right from the Akure airport where she was given a rousing welcome with an exciting display of cultural dances and songs by a cultural group, could not hide her feeling as she joined the group in dancing.

    The Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Mr. kayode Akinmade, led a strong delegation which included Dr A Omoloja, Ondo State Commissioner for Housing; and Mrs. Akinroye Modupe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism who ushered in Mrs. Mbanefo into Ondo State.

    Speaking at the Akure Airport, Mr. Akinmade expressed the gratitude of the people of Ondo State to Mrs. Mbanefo for honouring the invitation to be the special guest of honour at the are festival being hosted in the memory of Deji Falae.

    “ The government and the people of Ondo State are happy to welcome you to the state in Nigeria where the sun shines for all. We are grateful for honouring our invitation for Mare Festival. We are also happy because you are the first Director-General of NTDC not only to visit the state, but who deemed it fit to honour our invitation to Mare. We assure you of an evergreen memory of your visit to Ondo State, “ Mr. Akinmade said.

    The Ondo State Deputy Governor , Mr. Ali Olanusi, who received Mrs. Mbanefo in his office as the governor was out of the state, described her as “a light in the dark corridor of the tourism sector.”

    Alhaji Olanusi said: “You are a light planted by the President Goodluck Jonathan to light up the dark corridor of the tourism sector, and you have commenced this vision in earnest . Your coming to Ondo State at this point in time is a sign of good things to come to the tourism sector in the state and in Nigeria. We welcome you with all our hearts and we assure you of a splendid time with us. “

    The Director-General, who was the special guest of honour impressed the people of Ondo State with her attitude and participatory spirit with which she delivered her speech which extolled the virtues of Deji Falae and identification of Mare as one of the vibrant pillar of domestic tourism.

    She described Idanre as a uniquely blessed city of rocks. “When I went to Abeokuta, I thought it was the best of a city on a hill until I entered Idanre . This is the real city which should be called Abeokuta,” she said.

    The Director-General, who also presented a fridge won by one of the indigenes who partook of the Mare raffle draw, used the opportunity to visit the fabulous Idanre Hills which she described as “an exciting arrangement of rocks which beat to the back those in Switzerland “and the 18 holes golf course being planted in Idanre by the state government in fulfilment of her mission to visit and authenticate the state of tourism sites in the zones.

  • Triumph of federalism

    Triumph of federalism

    We commend Supreme Court’s judgment on tourism control

    For six long, awful years, the Federal Government instituted and pursued a lost protracted legal battle against the Lagos State government over the proprietary of tourism control within the state. The futility of the exercise was exemplified by a recent Supreme Court unanimous lead judgment read by Galadima JSC. Through that epochal judgment, it has become obvious, that the Federal Government has no power of control over tourism activities outside federal jurisdictions. Henceforth, the apex court declared that it is only state governments that can exercise control over licensing or grading of hotels, restaurants and fast food outlets in the country. And that the Houses of Assembly can validly make laws on tourism.

    The Attorney-General of the Federation, in the suit filed against the Lagos State government questioned the effrontery of the latter to challenge its control of tourism affairs, through the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), in the state’s jurisdiction. But the learned justices of the apex court in their wisdom decided that the Constitution only empowers the National Assembly latitude to regulate tourist traffic: A term deemed in the esteemed view of the respected court to exclude hotel registration or licensing. In another concurrent suit on the same subject challenging the proprietary of the Hotel Licensing Law of Lagos State and the Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Law made by Lagos State House of Assembly that was consolidated for appellate hearing with the former case, the apex court declared both laws validly enacted. The court went ahead to declare as null and void the offending sections in the NTDC Act.

    The judement has gone far in calming frayed nerves resulting from several years of muscle flexing by the warring parties. While the avoidable squabble lasted, the NTDC, relying usually on federal might, flagrantly established parallel registration and regulation structures to that of the Lagos State government. This created a situation of multiplicity of taxation to the chagrin of stakeholders in the tourism industry. The final resolution of the issue definitely has come with a cost since the Lagos State government reportedly claimed to have lost to the Federal Government over N4.5 billion in revenue from over 3,000 hotels that would have accrued to her from hotel licensing in the last six years. The state government can heave a sigh of relief now that the apex court’s judgment has given it unfettered control over the state’s hospitality industry. The era of harassments from NTDC, a federal agency, has finally been put paid to by that landmark judgment.

    We desire more of such illuminating judgment that typifies what true federalism should be. The country constitutionally has a federal structure in place. But in practice, the Federal Government seems to derive unflinching pleasure in treating the component states as appendages with no minds of their own. That should not be. The 1999 constitution (as amended) clearly spells out in the Exclusive Legislative List, areas in which the Federal Government has exclusively wholesome powers to preside over. It is a thing of joy that the apex court has clearly stated that on the issue of hospitality businesses, the Federal Government, or its assigned agencies can no longer encroach on state governments’ powers.

    There are several items on the Exclusive Legislative List that are begging for attention of the government at the centre. Power, police affairs and prisons management, among other areas, need genuine reforms. We also need general policy re-direction from the Federal Government. If all these necessary areas have not been properly handled, what rationale would then be behind the move of the Federal Government to unlawfully compel appropriation of others, like the tourism industry, that are ultra vires its powers?

    This monumental judgment would have been impossible if the Lagos State government did not stand up to the federal challenge in court by fighting for redress of NTDC’s illegal encroachment. Now, it is not only the ‘Centre of Excellence’ (Lagos) but other states across the federation that will benefit from the judgment. Other state governments whose rights at one time or the other had been trampled upon by the Federal Government or its agencies should not hesitate to follow the Lagos example. It is through such reasonable judicial activism that most of the defects in the country’s federal structure can be rectified. We commend the Supreme Court for standing firm in upholding the tenets of federalism in the nation.

  • NTDC to build tourism centres in six zones

    NTDC to build tourism centres in six zones

    As part of efforts to rapidly develop domestic tourism destinations by the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), six tourism centres are to be built across the six geopolitical zones in the country.

    The Director-General of NTDC, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, made this declaration while addressing members of management and staff in an interactive session at the tourism village in Abuja during the week.

    The DG, who took time to intimate staff on progress report and recent developments since her assumption of duty, emphasized that the core of her administration remains a comprehensive development of Nigeria’s local tourism attractions, hence the need for the tourism centres across the geo-political zones.

    According to her, the NTDC plans to introduce information desks at major airports in Nigeria with the aim of supplying tourists and visitors, relevant information on areas of interest, directory on places to visit, activities of the NTDC and the tourism industry in general.

    During the meeting, Mrs. Mbanefo noted that the NTDC will work with stakeholders and professionals on strategic imperatives aimed at growing revenue base, while restructuring the corporation and repositioning it to better finance its activities.

    The NTDC boss also said a productive workforce is essential to achieving her vision which is to make the NTDC an employer of choice in the public sector, putting measures in place to make the work environment conducive for staff with a comprehensive welfare package.

  • Over 30,000 Canadians visit Nigeria in 2012

    The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), on Thursday said that 30,340 tourists from Canada visited Nigeria in 2012.

    In a statement issued in Lagos by the Corporation’s spokesperson, Mrs. Ibe Ijeh, the NTDC said only 12,220 Canadians visited the country in 2011.

    The statement also said the visitors included 20,040 males, 9,250 females and 1,050 children.

    It said the visitors included principal immigrants, visiting immigrants, government officials and foreign diplomats.

    The News Agency of Nigeria quoting the statement attributed the increase to visitors’ interest in the culture and historical aspect of Nigeria.

    The NTDC said it would continue to package the cultural heritage of Nigeria, to attract more tourists to the country.

     

  • NTDC, Daarsat partner to promote tourism

    NTDC, Daarsat partner to promote tourism

    The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and Daarsat, the cable television communication arm of the Daar Communication limited, will be partnering to promote Nigeria as the preferred tourism destination in Africa.

    This was disclosed during a recent visit of the Chairman of  Daar Communications Limited, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, and his  team to the NTDC boss, Otunba Segun Runsewe, at the  Tourism Village.

    Speaking on  Daarsat, the Managing Director of the cable company said the return of the cable company means Nigeria could  tell and showcase its experience to the outside.

    He said the channel had more than 250 channels to do this and had also dedicated about 27 platforms to education.  He said his organisation was asking the NTDC to prescribe the cable television for Nigerian hotels.

    He said the platform would offer the opportunity for visitors and tourists to Nigeria to have a feel of the Nigerian experience rather than the current situation whereby most of the hotels show  foreign cable televisions that are poor in their Ngerian content.

    Responding, the NTDC boss said he was proud of the achievements of Chief Dokpesi, most especially on his doggedness to promote the country by showcasing the Nigerian experience to the rest of the world.

    He said through the devotion of multiple channels to promote education in Nigeria, Daarsat would help in turning around the educational fortune of the country.  Runsewe said he would not only partner the cable station, but would do his best to make sure the Nigerian hospitality industry embrace the channel.

    He also asked for a dedicated channel that will showcase the vast tourism assets and culture of the country as a means of attracting tourists to Nigeria. This was granted by Chief Dokpesi.

    Speaking further on the re-emergence of Daarsat after a few years of absence, Chief Dokpesi said Daarsat was back for good and even better and that he would continue to thrive in the promotion of Nigerian experience. He said  Daarsat had signed an agreement  with Spacecom, the operator of the AMOS satellite fleet to provide high definition visuals for Nigerians and the African continent.

  • Nigeria earns N80bn from tourism – NTDC

    Nigeria earns N80bn from tourism – NTDC

    The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation said on Thursday that the country earned approximately N80 billion annually from tourism.

    The South-West Zonal Coordinator of NTDC, Mr. Nasir Kaka, disclosed this in Lekki, Lagos, during activities marking the World Tourism Day.

    Kaka said that the revenues generated were from cultural diversities, sceneries and festivals.

    He said that each geo-political zone of the country offered something for tourists, hence the usual visit to Obudu Cattle Ranch, Osun Osogbo groove, Olumo Rock, Agbokim Waterfalls and a number of beaches and coastal cities.

    Kaka said that the most physical features of Lagos State were the coastal landforms which consists of lagoons, creeks, swamps and seashore extension that gave the states its unique aesthetic appeal and beauty.

    He described Lagos State as the pioneer of tourism in the country, due to its numerous tourism sites.

    “The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Lagos office, is committed to the development of tourism at the grassroots level. We decided to celebrate this year’s World Tourism Day in Olomowewe, Lekki Local Council Development Area,’’ he said.

    “The choice of this venue is informed by the recognition of its unique potential, enviable hospitality and historical antecedents which the corporation (NTDC) intends to promote and showcase.

    “It is obvious that the development of tourism entails systematic planning and coordinated effort to enhance effective marketing and viability,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria quoted Kaka as saying during the event.