Lagos is asserting a bold new commitment to establishing itself as the foremost tourism destination on the African continent, an ambition spearheaded by the newly launched Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF). Founded under the auspices of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the ETF’s core mission is to unify the sometimes fragmented sector, attract necessary investment, and unlock the industry’s massive potential for job creation. Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Foundation’s Chairman, stressed that for the state to achieve its desired socio-economic gains, the industry must speak with a singular voice, transforming its already vibrant culture—from concerts to the energy of ‘Detty December’—into a sustained, year-round global attraction.
The need for this aggressive strategy is clear: while tourism already provides between ten and fifteen million jobs nationwide and contributes significantly to Nigeria’s GDP, a lack of consistently world-class service delivery has constrained its full growth. To address this crucial skills gap, the ETF has secured a high-level partnership with UN Tourism, the United Nations’ specialised agency. Following a meeting between the Secretary-General and ETF leadership, the two bodies confirmed the establishment of a major Tourism Academy in Lagos, designed to inject international standards directly into the local workforce.
This ambitious programme aims to be a potent force for youth empowerment, targeting the training of up to 65,000 young Nigerians aged sixteen to thirty-five over the next five years. This scale reflects a direct strategy to leverage the country’s youthful demographics, offering a sustainable pathway to employment through vocational and managerial instruction. The curriculum is deliberately forward-looking, moving beyond traditional hospitality to include in-demand skills essential for the creative and experience economy. Trainees will gain expertise in advanced hospitality management, event planning, light and sound design, and digital skills like animation and scriptwriting. The involvement of private sector experts, such as the Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA), ensures the training is practical and aligned with global best practices.
The Academy is complemented by the ETF’s wider strategy, which includes establishing a dedicated Trust Fund to attract global capital and hosting an Annual International Conference and Exhibition for worldwide promotion. By combining a unified industry voice, strategic investment, and world-class training, the ETF is laying the necessary groundwork for Lagos to firmly cement its place as the definitive tourism capital of Africa.
