EKO TOURISM FOUNDATION LAUNCHED TO POSITION LAGOS AS AFRICA’S TOURISM HUB
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) has been officially unveiled in Lagos with a bold mandate to transform the state into Africa’s leading tourism destination and reposition Nigeria’s tourism sector as a key driver of economic growth.
Speaking at the launch, Chairman of the ETF Board of Trustees, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, described the Foundation as “a forward-thinking initiative designed to transform Lagos into Africa’s foremost tourism destination.”
The ETF, an initiative of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), aims to serve as an all-inclusive platform for government, private sector and tourism stakeholders. Its mandate includes policy advocacy, global marketing of “Destination Lagos,” and positioning the state as a partner of choice for international tour operators.
“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, Nigeria’s former Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism.
He noted that Lagos already commands global attention with its vibrant concerts, nightlife, Owambe parties, fashion, food, and culture, adding that the ETF would ensure this energy is sustained and expanded into a year-round global attraction.
Statistics cited at the event highlighted tourism’s growing role in Nigeria’s economy. In 2022, the sector provided 10–15 million jobs nationwide and contributed 3.6% to GDP over $17.3 billion. Lagos alone accounts for more than 2,000 hotels with 70,000 rooms, among the highest occupancy rates in Africa.
Quoting the World Travel & Tourism Council, Mohammed projected that Nigeria’s tourism industry will grow by 5.4% annually between 2023 and 2030, creating 2.6 million new jobs and generating $5.58 billion in revenues.
The ETF has outlined key strategic programmes, including:
ETF Trust Fund to attract investments.
ETF Academy for human capital development.
Annual International Conference & Exhibition to showcase Lagos.
Experience Lagos Project with immersive and virtual tours.
ETF Quarterly Publication for data and insights.
ETF Club and Annual Festival to nurture future generations.
The Foundation also launched multiple membership categories, ranging from Grand Patron to Industry Heroes, designed to accommodate various stakeholders.
Alhaji Mohammed commended LCCI President, Gabriel Idahosa, for spearheading the initiative, and praised members of the distinguished Board of Trustees including HRH Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Chief Nike Okundaye, Prince Yemisi Shyllon, and others for their commitment to the vision.
Calling for collaboration, Mohammed urged industry players, policymakers, investors, and the public to rally behind the Foundation:
“The tourism sector has suffered from incoherent voices and fragmented efforts for too long. The Eko Tourism Foundation is here to harmonize the industry, attract investments and create millions of jobs. But we cannot do it alone. Together, let us make Lagos not just a commercial hub, but the tourism capital of Africa.”
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