ABUJA, NIGERIA — Nigeria’s National Economic Council (NEC) has directed governors of the 36 states to contribute ₦200 million each toward the funding of a new national cultural tourism project aimed at boosting economic growth and promoting Nigeria’s heritage.
The directive emerged from a recent NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, where members discussed strategies to diversify the economy and strengthen non-oil revenue sources through tourism development.
Under the plan, all state governments are expected to pool resources into a central fund that will be used to develop cultural tourism infrastructure, promote heritage sites, and enhance Nigeria’s global tourism appeal.
Officials say the initiative is designed to unlock the economic potential embedded in Nigeria’s diverse cultural assets, including festivals, historical landmarks, traditional arts, and indigenous heritage sites.
The council emphasised that tourism remains an underutilised sector in Nigeria despite its capacity to generate employment, attract foreign investment, and increase internally generated revenue for states.
Each state’s ₦200 million contribution is expected to support large-scale projects such as the rehabilitation of cultural centres, development of tourist destinations, and improvement of supporting infrastructure like roads and hospitality facilities.
Government representatives noted that a coordinated national approach is necessary to standardise tourism offerings and ensure that investments deliver measurable economic impact across all regions.
The initiative also aligns with broader efforts by the federal government to reduce dependence on oil revenues by expanding alternative sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and creative industries.
Analysts say the success of the programme will depend heavily on transparency, effective management of funds, and collaboration between federal and state governments.
They also highlight the importance of involving local communities, private investors, and cultural stakeholders to ensure sustainability and authenticity in tourism development.
Some stakeholders have raised concerns about the financial burden on states already facing fiscal challenges, noting that mandatory contributions could strain limited resources.
Others, however, argue that the long-term benefits of a well-structured tourism sector could outweigh the initial investment, particularly if the programme is properly executed.
The NEC is expected to establish a framework for implementation, including timelines, project selection criteria, and monitoring mechanisms to track progress and ensure accountability.
As the directive takes effect, attention will focus on how quickly states comply and how effectively the funds are deployed to transform Nigeria’s cultural tourism landscape into a viable economic driver.
