The Akwa Ibom State Government has called on the Federal Government to allocate N5bn monthly to each state to help promote tourism and diversify the nation’s economy.
The state believes such financial backing will allow states to upgrade and maintain their tourism sites, draw investors and tourists, and ultimately create new revenue streams, job opportunities, and avenues for development.
This appeal was made on Saturday in Uyo by Nkereuwem Onung, Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism to Governor Umo Eno, during a press briefing ahead of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) summit scheduled to take place in Akwa Ibom later this month.
Onung, who also holds the position of National President of FTAN, stressed that tourism could be a major driver of Nigeria’s economic diversification.
He pointed out that the state had made significant investments in the tourism and cultural sectors under the current administration’s ARISE Agenda.
“Substantial funds have been allocated to revamp our cultural heritage sites, create a new tourism and hospitality hub along Dominic Utuk Avenue in Uyo, and implement rural development initiatives across all 31 local government areas,” Onung said.
Notable tourism attractions, such as the picturesque waterfront in Oron and the colonial heritage sites in Ikot Abasi, Itu, and Ibiono Ibom, will be highlighted to cultural and tourism ambassadors, industry affiliates, and the Minister of Culture and Tourism during the FTAN summit on May 22.
“This summit will focus on emerging tourism issues in Nigeria, showcase Akwa Ibom’s tourism potential, and highlight the growing significance of the state in African tourism, which has evolved considerably since Governor Umo Eno took office,” Onung explained.
“We are using this platform to urge the Federal Government to allocate N5bn monthly to support tourism development in states.”
Onung also identified peace and security as crucial factors contributing to Akwa Ibom’s tourism appeal, noting that the state’s stability has helped attract more visitors and investors.
He reiterated that Governor Eno’s administration is committed to positioning the state as a premier destination for investment and tourism in the Niger Delta and beyond.
“As we mark the second anniversary of Governor Eno’s leadership on May 29, we will continue to showcase our tourism assets to the world. The state government has heavily invested in community infrastructure, education, skill development, and empowerment, all of which contribute to tourism growth under the ARISE Agenda,” Onung concluded.