The Akwa Ibom State Government has urged the Federal Government to allocate N5bn monthly to each state in a bid to enhance tourism and diversify Nigeria’s economy.
According to the state government, such financial support would enable states to improve and maintain tourism sites, attract investors and visitors, and ultimately create alternative revenue sources, job opportunities, and avenues for development.
The call was made on Saturday in Uyo by Governor Umo Eno’s Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism, Nkereuwem Onung, during a press conference ahead of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) summit scheduled to take place in the state later this month.
Onung, who also serves as the National President of FTAN, emphasized that tourism has the potential to drive Nigeria’s economic diversification.
He highlighted the state’s significant investments in the tourism and cultural sectors under the current administration’s ARISE Agenda blueprint.
“Billions of naira have been invested in rejuvenating our cultural heritage sites, establishing a new tourism and hospitality hub along Dominic Utuk Avenue in Uyo, and implementing rural development projects across all 31 local government areas,” Onung stated.
Key tourism attractions, such as the scenic waterfront in Oron and the colonial heritage sites in Ikot Abasi, Itu, and Ibiono Ibom, will be featured to cultural and tourism ambassadors, affiliate associations, and the Minister of Culture and Tourism during the FTAN summit on May 22.
“The summit will address key tourism issues in Nigeria, highlight Akwa Ibom’s tourism potential, and showcase the state’s growing profile in African tourism, which has significantly improved since Governor Umo Eno assumed office,” Onung added.
“We are using this opportunity to urge the Federal Government to allocate N5bn monthly to support tourism development in the states.”
Onung also pointed out that peace and security have become valuable assets for the state’s tourism, with Akwa Ibom’s stability attracting more visitors and investors.
He assured that Governor Eno’s administration remains dedicated to positioning the state as a leading destination for investment and tourism in the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
“As we approach the second anniversary of Governor Eno’s administration on May 29, we will continue to showcase our tourism potential to the world. The state government has made substantial investments in community infrastructure, education, training, and empowerment as part of the ARISE Agenda, all of which contribute to the growth of tourism,” Onung concluded.
