LCCI Champions Private Sector-Led Tourism Transformation in Nigeria
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) marked World Tourism Day 2025 with a strong push for private sector leadership in revolutionizing Nigeria’s tourism landscape. The event, centered on the theme “Sustainable Transformation in Tourism,” brought together key players from the hospitality, agricultural, and creative sectors.
Industry leaders gathered on Friday to chart a new course for tourism development, with a particular focus on Lagos State’s potential as a major destination. The meeting emphasized reducing dependency on government initiatives while fostering private sector collaborations.
Dr. Tunde Lawrenson, LCCI’s Hotel and Tourism Sector Vice Chairman and Eko Tourism Foundation Board Secretary, highlighted sustainability through strategic partnerships and investments. LCCI President Gabriel Idahosa, FCA, challenged the prevailing security concerns narrative, drawing parallels with successful tourist destinations worldwide that face similar challenges. He particularly emphasized the untapped potential of Nigeria’s internationally acclaimed creative industry as a catalyst for tourism growth.
The keynote address by Comrade Hassan Zakari, former Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria President, focused on two critical pillars for industry development: infrastructure investment and agri-tourism opportunities. The discussion was enriched by contributions from notable figures including Pastor (Dr.) Olarewaju Saba of St. Chris Properties & Investment Ltd, Dr. Amb. Daniel Olabintan from the Travel and Tour Elders Group, and Mr. Aderoju Owosanya representing Xtralarge Farms and Resorts.
An engaging panel discussion provided attendees the opportunity to address crucial aspects of industry development, including youth engagement and infrastructure enhancement. The event concluded with specific action items, emphasizing the need to:
– Enhance Generation Z participation in tourism initiatives
– Leverage Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, music, and film industries
– Build stronger cross-sector partnerships
With Lagos positioned as a strategic hub, the gathering underscored the vital roles of agricultural tourism and infrastructure development in establishing Nigeria as a competitive global tourist destination. The focus on private sector leadership marks a significant shift in approach to tourism development in Africa’s largest economy.
