The federal government says it has generated 300 per cent more revenue than expected in the hospitality and tourism sector. Abisoye Fagade, the director-general of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism in Abuja, said the sector recorded growth last year.

Mr Fagade said this at an event organised by Style De Vie, a private-sector company that specialises in fostering cultural and economic ties between African countries.

He said the sector was currently the highest in terms of employment generation aside from agriculture. According to him, this institute is not just about generating money but about creating services, adding value, and providing an enabling platform for businesses in the sector to thrive.

Mr Fagade called for greater investment in the sector to drive growth and development in the country.

”The body language of our government is changing to tourism; the agenda is focusing more on tourism as a sustainable replacement for oil. Tourism in Nigeria is a social bitcoin, if you do not catch up on time now, you will regret that later,” he said.

The creative director of Style De Vie, Rebecca Tabe, said the event was to boost investment partnerships among African nations.

Ms Tabe added that the event was organised to bring together different investors, country representatives, and business owners to create business platforms and investment opportunities across the African continent.

She called on Nigerians in the diaspora to invest in the country and the continent for sustainable growth in Africa.

The Tunisian ambassador to Nigeria, Mohsen Antit, said the event was an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange ideas and harmonise the various peculiarities among African countries, especially in trade and the economy.

Mr Antit said the programme would enhance cultural and tourism relations between African countries.

He called for greater collaboration between Tunisia and Nigeria across various sectors, including agriculture, trade, and tourism.

(NAN)