The Federal Government of Nigeria is currently planning to float a Tourism Development Fund, as one of the steps aimed at tackling paucity of funds that hinder the development of the tourism sector.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Mrs Nkechi Ejele, hinted reporters of the plan, after briefing the President on the ministry’s activities.
She identified inadequate infrastructure, lack of funds and lack of national carrier, as some of the factors inhibiting the development of tourism in Nigeria.
She said the President had assured her that he would mainstream culture and tourism into his administration’s economic agenda.
“We discussed about funding problem and the President has now advised that we should establish Tourism Development Fund to help in the growth of the sector.
“All over the world, tourism is not funded by the government. It has become unfashionable for tourism to depend on government for its funding, hence the need to develop the development fund,” she explained.
