Lagos is set to redefine its global image beyond commerce and entertainment with the launch of the Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF), a platform designed to transform the state into Africa’s tourism capital and create millions of jobs for Nigerians.
At the unveiling in Lagos, Chairman of the ETF Board of Trustees, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the Foundation would drive inclusive growth by harmonizing fragmented tourism efforts, attracting investments, and marketing Lagos to the world as a premier destination.
“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,” said Mohammed, who served as Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism from 2015 to 2023.
He revealed that Nigeria’s tourism sector already supports between 10 and 15 million jobs and contributed US$17.3 billion—3.6 percent of GDP—in 2022. Lagos, he added, boasts over 2,000 hotels with 70,000 rooms and some of the highest occupancy rates in Africa.
Projections from the World Travel & Tourism Council, he noted, show that the sector will expand by 5.4 percent annually between 2023 and 2030, creating 2.6 million new jobs and boosting revenues by US$5.58 billion.
The ETF, an initiative of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will execute strategic programmes such as the Eko Tourism Trust Fund to mobilize investments, an ETF Academy for skills development, an annual international tourism conference, and the “Experience Lagos” project with immersive and virtual tours.
Mohammed said the Foundation’s mission was to make tourism a sustainable alternative to Nigeria’s oil economy and showcase Lagos to the world for its food, music, film, arts, fashion, and culture.
He praised the role of Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, President of LCCI, as the initiator of the Foundation, and acknowledged the Board of Trustees—including HRH Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Chief Nike Okundaye, Prince Yemisi Shyllon, Karl Hala, Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo, and Dr. Tunde Lawrenson—for their commitment to the vision.
Appealing for national support, Mohammed said: “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.”
With its bold blueprint, ETF hopes to reposition Lagos from a vibrant commercial hub to the beating heart of African tourism.
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