Nigeria Aims to Emulate China’s Tourism Strategy for Accelerated Economic Growth

Nigeria Aims to Emulate China’s Tourism Strategy for Accelerated Economic Growth

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) is advocating for Nigeria to adapt China's highly successful tourism development model to drive economic growth, create jobs, and revitalize the country's hospitality sector. — ABUJA, Nigeria, Sept. 8, 2026

In details made available to Shemnews on Tuesday, NIHOTOUR Director General Dr. Abisoye Fagade outlined this strategic vision during the "China’s Tourism Development Experience" seminar, co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy, NIHOTOUR, and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA). The initiative aligns closely with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes broad economic diversification, human capital development, and increased foreign investment.

Having recently participated in a tourism development program in Beijing, Fagade noted that China’s approach demonstrates how a well-managed sector can become a powerful instrument for national transformation. "Nigeria has the tourism assets. Nigeria has the people. Nigeria has the destinations. What we now need is the capacity, coordination and commitment to turn these assets into prosperity," Fagade explained.

He cautioned, however, against a mechanical replication of the Chinese model, urging instead that lessons be adapted to forge a uniquely Nigerian tourism ecosystem. During the event, which coincided with the 55th anniversary of China-Nigeria diplomatic relations, officials from both nations identified several key areas for bilateral cooperation:

* Skills and Destination Management: Collaborative efforts will focus on vocational education, professional training, curriculum development, and strategic destination branding to elevate Nigeria's global competitiveness.

* Heritage and Eco-Tourism: Both countries plan to leverage iconic heritage assets—such as China’s Great Wall and Nigeria’s Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove and Zuma Rock—to strengthen cultural diplomacy and preserve natural sites.

* Digital Innovation: The partnership will prioritize smart tourism and digital transformation, enhancing everything from destination marketing to public tourism services.

* Cultural and Culinary Exchanges: Expanded people-to-people initiatives will include the China-Nigeria Cultural and Tourism Festival and specialized programs like the Nigeria-China Food Festival, promoting hospitality value chains and the creative arts.

NTDA Director-General Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, represented by Human Resources Director Mr. Oladipo, echoed the commitment to practical partnerships, emphasizing that China’s rapid emergence as a tourism superpower offers critical lessons in infrastructure development and public-private collaboration.

Representing the Chinese delegation, Cultural Centre Director Mr. Yang Jianxing and China Tourism Academy President Dai Bin reaffirmed China’s readiness to support these initiatives. Yang stressed that the engagement should focus on mutual learning and two-way exchanges, noting that sustainable tourism not only creates jobs but fundamentally enhances cross-cultural understanding and friendship. By Shemnews Desk | Shemnews