Tourism Parliament : Tourism a Catalyst for Job Creation, Economic Diversification- Gambia High Commissioner to Nigeria
Location -Abuja, Nigeria
In an engaging and insightful keynote address delivered at the Tourism Parliament held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, recently, H.E Mohamadou Musa Njie, The Gambia High Commissioner to Nigeria, underscored the transformative potential of tourism as a catalyst for job creation and economic diversification.
The event, organized by Travelogue Communications, brought together prominent government officials and private sector stakeholders to explore how Nigeria can harness its rich cultural and natural resources to drive economic growth.
Commencing his speech with a warm greeting in local Nigerian languages, High Commissioner Njie expressed his honour at being part of this significant gathering, representing The Gambia, famously known as “the smiling coast of Africa.” He emphasized the relevance of the event’s theme, “Tourism as a Catalyst for Job Creation and Economic Diversification,” not just as a topic for discussion but as a call to action for Nigeria as a nation.
Highlighting Nigeria’s vast and diverse cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant communities, Njie pointed out the immense potential that the country holds in utilizing tourism to create jobs, generate wealth, and fuel economic growth.
However, he also posed a critical question on the urgent need for Nigeria to effectively promote these attractions to its own 250 million citizens, as well as to the global audience, fostering shared prosperity that will benefits all.
His Excellency, Mahamadou Musa Njie, The Gambia High Commissioner to Nigeria and Extraordinary Plenipotentiary Representative to ECOWAS delivering his Keynote Address during the Tourism Parliament at Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the Nigerian tourism sector, similar to those in other African destinations, Njie stressed the importance of developing a strategic tourism policy with sustainable programmes that operate at every level of governance. He identified key priorities such as improving access to Nigeria’s tourism assets and investing in tourism infrastructure as essential steps in transforming the sector into one of the country’s most valuable economic drivers.
“The key lies in leveraging these natural assets to attract both local and international visitors,” Njie stated, emphasizing that this approach should not only generate revenue but also support the communities where these assets are located. He argued for the importance of involving local communities and private sector players across the tourism value chain, from hospitality to cultural exhibitions, to ensure that the benefits of tourism are widely distributed.
Njie also highlighted the role of the media as pivotal in this journey. He commended the media for their role in shaping the narratives that promote Nigeria as a desirable tourist destination, noting that the stories they tell and the images they share significantly influence perceptions and attract visitors.
In closing, Njie expressed his admiration for the organizer of the Tourism Parliament, Amb. Ayo Omotoso and his team praising their visionary approach to addressing these crucial issues. He concluded with a hopeful message, urging collective efforts to yield positive outcomes for the betterment of all nations involved and for the African continent as a whole.
The keynote address was a highlight of the event, which also featured the executive unveiling of the Destination Nigeria Governors’ Tourism Conference, signaling a strategic commitment to advancing the tourism sector in Nigeria.
