By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The collaborative efforts of the Federal Ministry of Tourism with the management of Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), aimed at developing the tourism industry, has been described as laudable.
A critical stakeholder in the tourism sector, Dr. Tobi Bernard Thomas who made the assertion noted that possible collaboration for the review of Federal Government’s policies and programmes will no doubt add value to the sector, and boost the Nations economy.
Others in the partnership include, the National Institute For Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA)
Dr. Thomas disclosed this while addressing a strategic press conference at The National Institute of policy and strategic studies (NIPSS), Kuru, weekending.
He asserted that “With NESG on board; a leading private sector think-tank, would supports government organs and agencies in formulating policies and implementing public policy programmes and projects. “I am very optimistic of a better future for the industry”, he said.
“If both the NESG and the ministry of tourism can meet the objectives of the collaboration, which is to ensure mutual commitment of parties to programmes, tasks intrinsic in the technical processes of reviewing, developing, and implementing a roadmap for the entrenchment of a sustainable tourism industry in Nigeria, the sector can be a source of income generation for the country”, he said.
While speaking at the press conference, Dr. Thomas urged NESG to fulfill its part of the agreement which was to optimise governance framework for the industry.
Recall that recently, the ministry of tourism and NESG had an agreement to reviewing Government policies and provision of technical support in implementation of Nigeria tourism industry development roadmap.
This is just as the expert emphasised that tourism should take precedence over the oil and gas industry as Nigeria’s primary revenue generator.
While also commending the minister of tourism, Lola Ade-John’s drive towards making the sector the number one revenue generator for Nigeria, Dr. Thomas said, hence the need to have the input of experts across board for the actualisation of the plan and collaboration.
Meanwhile, the expert therefore urged other stakeholders to support the minister’s quest towards re-positioning the tourism sector for the economic gains of the nation. End
