By Joan Odafe, Bayo Olawunmi and Glory Akpan
As Nigeria marks 27 years of uninterrupted democracy, stakeholders in tourism, culture and entertainment are united on one point: democratic progress must now build stronger institutions.
They say it must also mean better infrastructure, security, and investment in growth-driving sectors.
Their position reflects a wider view that although democracy has expanded civic space and policy engagement, tourism and the creative economy still need more coordinated action to reach their full potential.
For tourism operators and cultural stakeholders, the question is no longer if reforms are needed, but whether implementation will deliver measurable results.
Aliyu Badaki, President of Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), said government must prioritise infrastructure execution and institutional reforms.
“Focus on execution of infrastructure development and the creation of the regional development commission.
“Also, the new visa policy for Rwanda recently introduced by the government will encourage access to domestic tourism if well harnessed,” he said.
Badaki said tourism possessed strong multiplier effects capable of generating jobs, supporting enterprises and strengthening economic integration if governments give the industry sustained attention.
“The government at all levels should make tourism a priority with improved budgets and budgetary allocations.
“There should be the resuscitation of the Presidential Council of Tourism.
“This will lay a solid foundation in the areas of policy, laws, planning, structure and implementation that will grow the industry,” he said.
He also linked tourism competitiveness to simpler travel procedures, better transport infrastructure, and improved management of Nigeria’s image.
“Efforts should also be made to reduce the security challenges in the country.
“Improved transport systems and infrastructure that will encourage easy access to the various tourism destinations.
“The visa policy should be made easy to encourage intending tourists to visit Nigeria.
“There should be a conscious effort to enlighten the press and citizens on the type of negative news that will undermine the patronage of potential tourists,” he said.
The recommendations also reflect the economic reform views shared by Femi Fadina, President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN).
According to Fadina, democracy will only be consolidated if reforms deliver lasting stability.
Fadina used a household comparison to explain that years of policy distortions had weakened the economy’s foundation.
“Using a plumbing analogy, the nation’s economic flow has been obstructed by years of leakages, inefficiencies, and blockages.
“Before water can flow freely again, the pipes must be repaired, cleaned, and reconnected.
“The process is often disruptive and uncomfortable but it is essential for long-term functionality,” he said.
According to him, reforms must eventually create conditions that support investment, destination development and visitor confidence.
“The current administration’s reforms seek to restore fiscal discipline, attract investment and reposition Nigeria for competitiveness.
“While the immediate effects have been challenging for many citizens and businesses, including tourism operators, the long-term objective is to create a more stable environment for investment, infrastructure development, destination growth, and visitor confidence,” he said.
Fadina proposed collaboration, mentorship and stronger management of cultural assets as the next phase of tourism growth.
“Government, traditional institutions, investors, communities and practitioners must work together toward common objectives.
“We must deliberately transfer knowledge, skills, and industry experience to younger professionals to ensure continuity and innovation within the sector.
“Nigeria must prioritise the preservation, packaging and promotion of its local cultural and traditional assets,” he said.
Similarly, the focus on culture as economic infrastructure was echoed by Easter Evbodaghe, Curator, National Gallery of Art (NGA), who said democratic governance had shifted culture from a symbolic asset to an economic one.
“Today, we have vibrant and experienced professionals leading major cultural institutions, and this has created new opportunities for growth across the arts and culture ecosystem,” he said.
Evbodaghe noted that festivals, community traditions and creative enterprises increasingly support tourism and local livelihoods but warned that cultural preservation required stronger investment.
“The preservation of indigenous cultural heritage strengthens national identity and creates tourism opportunities capable of generating revenue and employment for local communities,” he said.
He called for stronger support systems, including exhibitions, cultural infrastructure, community festivals and sustained investment in young people through arts education and skills development.
For stakeholders in the entertainment industry, democracy’s next challenge, beyond tourism and heritage, is to build safer and more inclusive environments for creative businesses.
Entertainment promoter, Mr Olaitan Adams, said democratic freedoms had enabled Nigerian culture to become globally visible.
“Afrobeats did not conquer the world from under military rule.
“Democracy gave Nigerian artistes the freedom to create, to travel, to collaborate and to compete globally.
“That freedom has produced a cultural export worth billions,” he said.
Adams, however, warned that insecurity now threatened those gains.
“You cannot build a thriving live entertainment industry in an environment where people are afraid to gather.
“Government must treat security not just as a defence issue but as an economic one.
“Every unsafe city is a dying entertainment market,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
