The United Nations Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism) and the Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) have announced plans to establish a tourism academy in Lagos, as part of efforts to position the state as Africa’s leading tourism hub.
The decision was reached during a roundtable meeting between both organisations in Lagos. The initiative is aimed at promoting Lagos as a global destination and supporting the realisation of ETF’s objectives, which include showcasing the state’s rich tourism potential.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed, former Minister of Information and Culture and Chairman of ETF’s Board of Trustees and Governing Council, led the foundation’s delegation to the meeting.
The UN Tourism delegation was headed by its Secretary-General, Mr Zurab Pololikashvili, who highlighted Lagos’ strengths as a tourism hub.
He noted that the city’s fashion, music, festivals, gastronomy, and nightlife give it a unique edge, adding that UN Tourism would collaborate with ETF to develop Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) infrastructure in Lagos.
Pololikashvili also accepted an invitation to serve as Patron and honorary member of the Eko Tourism Foundation, in recognition of his contributions to sustainable tourism development worldwide.
In his remarks, Mohammed said the issue of insecurity in Nigeria had been exaggerated, stressing that many tourists who visited recently expressed regret for believing false narratives about the country.
He cited ‘Detty December,’ a popular cultural phenomenon, as evidence of Lagos’ growing global recognition and vibrancy, noting that the city hosts over 20,000 events monthly. This, he said, underscores the need for modern event centres and related facilities to accommodate its dynamic entertainment and creative industries.
Mohammed added that such infrastructure would enable Nigerian music stars like Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid to host major concerts locally, rather than taking such opportunities abroad.
He explained that the Eko Tourism Foundation was established to create an inclusive platform for government and private sector collaboration, promote Destination Lagos, and, by extension, Destination Nigeria, as drivers of sustainable socio-economic development.
Other members of the ETF delegation included Erelu Abiola Dosumu, Dr Tunde Lawrenson, Mr Karl Hala, Ms Abiola Adelana, and Ms Sharon Ashinze. The UN Tourism Secretary-General was accompanied by Elcia Grandcourt, Shirin El Tayan, and Kojo Bentum-Williams.