The Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) was on Thursday officially unveiled in Lagos with an ambitious mission to position the state as Africa’s leading tourism hub and open a new chapter for Nigeria’s tourism sector.
Speaking at the unveiling, Chairman of the ETF Board of Trustees, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, described the Foundation as a “bold, forward-thinking initiative designed to transform Lagos into Africa’s foremost tourism destination.”
The ETF, an initiative of the 137-year-old Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), is expected 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 the 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, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism from 2015 to 2023.
He added that Lagos has already captured global attention through its vibrant cultural offerings, from “Detty December” concerts and nightlife to Owambe parties, fashion, food and the arts. According to him, ETF will build on this energy and scale it into a year-round global attraction.
Citing data from the World Travel & Tourism Council, Mohammed revealed that Nigeria’s tourism sector provided between 10 and 15 million jobs nationwide and contributed 3.6 percent to GDP—over US$17.3 billion—in 2022. Lagos alone, he noted, boasts more than 2,000 hotels with 70,000 rooms, among the highest occupancy rates in Africa. Projections suggest the sector will grow at 5.4 percent annually between 2023 and 2030, creating 2.6 million new jobs and adding US$5.58 billion in revenues.
“The Foundation’s vision is to make tourism a sustainable alternative to Nigeria’s oil-driven economy, while the mission is to bring the world to Lagos for our history, landmarks, food, music, film, fashion, arts and culture,” he said.
Among ETF’s strategic programmes are the Eko Tourism Foundation Trust Fund to attract investments, the ETF Academy for human capital development, an annual international conference and exhibition, an “Experience Lagos” project featuring immersive and virtual tours, quarterly publications to share industry insights, and an annual festival to nurture future generations.
Mohammed also announced a multi-tier membership structure designed to engage stakeholders at different levels, including categories such as Grand Patron, Chancellor, Champions, Ambassadors, Patrons, Custodians, Pillars, Industry, Heroes, and the Face of ETF.
He commended Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, FCA, President of the LCCI and initiator of the Foundation, for his foresight, and applauded other members of the Board of Trustees including HRH Erelu Abiola Dosunmu (Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos), Chief (Dr.) Nike Okundaye, Prince (Dr.) Yemisi Shyllon, Mr. Karl Hala, Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo, and Dr. Tunde Lawrenson, for their commitment to driving the vision.
Calling for collective support, Mohammed said: “The tourism sector has suffered from incoherent voices and fragmented efforts for too long. The Eko Tourism Foundation is here to harmonize the industry, engage government productively, attract investments and create millions of jobs. But we cannot do it alone. We need YOU—industry players, policymakers, investors, the media and every Lagosian—to partner with us. Together, let us make Lagos not just a commercial hub, but the tourism capital of Africa.”
