Stakeholders in Nigeria’s tourism have called for increased investment in infrastructure to unlock the sector’s potential and transform it into a major driver of economic growth.

The stakeholders made the call at the opening of the WelcometoNigeria Expo 2026 (WtNEx) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The two-day expo will end today. It brought together tourism professionals, investors, development partners, regulators and other stakeholders to explore investment opportunities and partnerships.

According to stakeholders, adequate investment in infrastructure will directly boost Nigeria’s tourism growth by improving access to its vast attractions, elevating visitor experience, and expanding local economic capacity.

In his address, Isah Sago, CEO of Welcome to Nigeria Development Initiative (WeNDI), said infrastructure was fundamental to building a competitive and sustainable tourism industry.

“Our focus on tourism infrastructure development recognises that infrastructure is not merely an adjunct of tourism. It is the foundation upon which sustainable tourism businesses, destination competitiveness and industry growth are built,” he said.

Mr Sago described accessible destinations, reliable transport, quality accommodation, digital connectivity, security, sanitation and visitor facilities as basic essentials for attracting investment and improving tourists’ experiences.

He said the expo would promote dialogue, exhibitions, business networking and knowledge exchange among public institutions, investors, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders.

The president also urged participants to build partnerships that support small businesses, empower young people and women, create jobs and stimulate economic activities in communities.

“Our participation affirms a shared belief that Nigeria possesses enormous tourism potentials and that the time has come to translate these potentials into sustainable economic opportunities, employment, investment and national development,” he said.

In his goodwill message, Abiodun Odusanwo, president of the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), called for improved infrastructure, security and immigration policies to make Nigeria more welcoming to visitors.

“We need to ensure that our infrastructure, both rail, road, marine and air, are welcoming. We need to ensure that our security system is actually effective,” he said.

Mr Odusanwo said visitors’ experiences depended on the conduct of everyone across the tourism value chain, including embassy staff, airlines, airport officials, immigration officers and tourism operators. He warned that the behaviour of individual service providers could negatively affect visitors’ perceptions of Nigeria, urging Nigerians to consciously contribute to projecting a positive national image.

In her keynote address, foreign affairs minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu called for stronger economic diplomacy to attract foreign investment and promote Nigeria’s tourism assets internationally. Ms Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria’s 109 diplomatic missions could help market tourism opportunities and attract investors.

“We have created more than an expo. We have created a marketplace of ideas, investment and national pride,” she said.

According to the minister, the country was redirecting its economic diplomacy towards promoting tourism assets, including cultural festivals, heritage sites and creative industries.

“Every embassy is now a tourism and investment market index for Nigeria,” she said.

Mr Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the ministry was facilitating foreign direct investment in tourism infrastructure through bilateral investment arrangements and engagement with development finance institutions.

“No tourists will come if airports, roads and hospitality standards are weak,” she said, stressing the importance of infrastructure to tourism development.

She said the federal government was reviewing visa arrangements to improve accessibility, while maintaining border security and promoting direct international air links.

“We are working to ensure that when the world thinks of authentic African heritage, adventure and creativity, they think Nigeria first,” she said.

The minister urged the expo to produce practical outcomes, including a bankable portfolio of tourism investment projects for diplomatic missions to market abroad. She also called for robust public-private partnerships and a unified calendar of tourism and cultural events.

While declaring the expo open, culture and tourism minister Hannatu Musawa called for improved industry standards and greater support for local tourism businesses.

Ms Musawa urged participants to patronise exhibitors at the event, saying, “Let’s ensure that the tourism industry moves forward to meet the global standards.”

(NAN)