LCCI Advocates Private Sector Leadership in Nigeria’s Tourism Transformation
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) marked World Tourism Day 2025 with a renewed push for private sector-driven growth in Nigeria’s tourism industry. The celebration, centered on the theme “Sustainable Transformation in Tourism,” brought together key players from the hospitality, agribusiness, and creative sectors to chart a path forward for the industry.
During the Friday gathering, industry leaders emphasized the critical role of private investment and cross-sector collaboration in achieving sustainable tourism development. Dr. Tunde Lawrenson, LCCI Hotel and Tourism Sector Vice Chairman and Eko Tourism Foundation Board Secretary, highlighted how strategic partnerships could drive industry sustainability.
LCCI President Gabriel Idahosa, FCA, challenged the traditional reliance on government intervention, instead encouraging stakeholders to capitalize on Nigeria’s internationally acclaimed creative sector as a catalyst for tourism growth. He also addressed security concerns, noting that successful tourist destinations worldwide face similar challenges without hampering their development.
In his keynote address, Comrade Hassan Zakari, former President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria, stressed the importance of strategic infrastructure development and agricultural tourism as foundations for long-term sector growth.
The event featured contributions from industry experts 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. Participants engaged in dynamic panel discussions focusing on youth engagement, infrastructure development, and domestic tourism promotion.
Key resolutions emerging from the event included initiatives to enhance Generation Z participation in tourism development, leverage cultural assets including music and film for tourism promotion, and foster stronger connections between agricultural, hospitality, and creative sectors.
With Lagos positioned as a strategic hub, the celebration emphasized agri-tourism and infrastructure investment as vital components in elevating Nigeria’s tourism sector to international standards. The focus on sustainable transformation reflects a broader industry shift toward long-term viability and global competitiveness in the tourism market.
