A new initiative to reposition Lagos as Africa’s leading tourism destination was unveiled on Thursday with the launch of the Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF), a platform expected to transform Nigeria’s tourism landscape and boost the nation’s economy.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Lagos, the Chairman of the ETF Board of Trustees and Governing Board, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, described the Foundation as “a bold, forward-thinking initiative designed to transform Lagos into Africa’s foremost tourism destination.” Mohammed, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism from 2015 to 2023, said the Foundation was conceived to harness the vast economic potential of tourism in line with global best practices.
An initiative of the 137-year-old Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the ETF is designed to serve as a policy advocacy voice for the tourism industry, create a collaborative platform for government, private sector, and tourism stakeholders, and lead global marketing campaigns for Destination Lagos and, by extension, Destination Nigeria.
“Tourism is one of the most powerful engines of growth anywhere in the world. The Eko Tourism Foundation will harness that power to drive Nigeria’s economy and create millions of jobs,” Mohammed said. He noted that Lagos already commands international attention with its vibrant nightlife, cultural festivals, “Detty December” celebrations, Owambe parties, fashion, and cuisine, stressing that the Foundation would sustain this momentum and expand it into a year-round attraction.
Citing industry data, Mohammed said tourism currently contributes about 3.6 percent to Nigeria’s GDP, generating more than US$17.3 billion in 2022, and supports between 10 and 15 million jobs nationwide. Lagos alone, he added, is home to over 2,000 hotels with 70,000 rooms and enjoys one of the highest hotel occupancy rates on the continent. According to projections by the World Travel & Tourism Council, Nigeria’s tourism sector is expected to grow by 5.4 percent annually between 2023 and 2030, creating 2.6 million new jobs and adding US$5.58 billion in revenue.
He emphasized that the Foundation’s vision is to make tourism a sustainable alternative to Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy, anchored on the promotion of Lagos’s history, landmarks, food, music, film, fashion, arts, and culture. To achieve this, Mohammed unveiled a range of strategic programmes, including the Eko Tourism Foundation Trust Fund to drive investment, the ETF Academy for human capital development, the ETF International Conference and Exhibition to showcase Lagos globally, the Experience Lagos Project featuring immersive and virtual tours, a quarterly publication for industry data and insights, and the ETF Annual Festival to nurture future generations of tourism leaders.
The former Minister also announced a multi-tier membership structure with categories such as Grand Patron, Chancellor, Champions, Ambassadors, Patrons, Custodians, Pillars, Industry Heroes, and the Face of ETF, each tailored to provide opportunities for stakeholders across the tourism value chain.
Mohammed commended Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, FCA, President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, for the vision that gave birth to the Foundation. He also lauded the commitment of the distinguished Board of Trustees, including HRH Erelu Abiola Dosunmu (Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos), Chief (Dr.) Nike Okundaye, Prince (Dr.) Yemisi Shyllon, Mr. Karl Hala, Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo, and Dr. Tunde Lawrenson, describing them as pioneers determined to make Lagos a global tourism powerhouse.
Calling for collective responsibility, Mohammed urged industry players, policymakers, investors, the media, and Lagos residents to support the Foundation’s efforts.
“The tourism sector has suffered from incoherent voices and fragmented efforts for too long. The Eko Tourism Foundation is here to harmonize the industry, engage government productively, attract investments, and create millions of jobs. But we cannot do it alone. Together, let us make Lagos not just a commercial hub, but the tourism capital of Africa,” he said.