Akwa Ibom State, a serene coastal gem in Nigeria’s South-South region, is taking bold steps to redefine Nigeria’s tourism narrative. With its lush mangrove landscapes, vibrant fishing communities, and blossoming cultural tourism sites, the state is emerging as the new focal point of tourism transformation in the country.
On May 21, the city of Uyo, Akwa Ibom’s capital, will host the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) council meeting. The event is expected to attract top industry players, government officials, and media professionals who will converge not only for policy deliberations but also to symbolically endorse Akwa Ibom as Nigeria’s cultural tourism capital.
Governor Pastor Umo Eno, whose “Arise Akwa Ibom” vision continues to reshape the state’s development agenda, will be celebrating his second year in office by showcasing massive strides in tourism infrastructure and related investments. A trained tourism practitioner, the governor has committed significant resources to projects like the Oron Maritime Terminal and Recreation Hub, the Arise Theme Park, and the Uyo International Conference Centre.
An unprecedented ₦25 billion has been earmarked for these landmark interventions, which insiders describe as part of a deliberate and strategic push to revive the state’s tourism economy and attract both local and international investors.
Nkereweum Onung, FTAN President and the Governor’s Special Adviser on Tourism, expressed optimism about Uyo making a resounding statement on the cultural tourism scene during the council meeting. “This is not just another gathering; it’s an opportunity to position Akwa Ibom as the hub of tourism in Nigeria,” he said.
The Federal Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, is expected to grace the event alongside Aare Abisoye Fagade, Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR). Fagade is anticipated to address regulatory concerns within the industry, particularly from the hospitality sub-sector.
Observers say the meeting could serve as a turning point, especially following the fallout from the minister’s recent Lagos stakeholders’ summit, which was boycotted by FTAN leaders. Her presence in Uyo might help mend fences and reset federal-private sector tourism engagement.
Excitement is already in the air, with industry stakeholders and the tourism media mobilizing for what many believe could be a historic moment. The sentiment is clear: Akwa Ibom is not organizing a jamboree, but rather laying the foundation for a serious and sustainable tourism future for Nigeria.
With its strategic investments, clear vision, and energetic leadership, Akwa Ibom’s “Arise” agenda might just be what the nation needs to awaken from its long-standing inertia in tourism development.
As tourism traffic turns toward Akwa Ibom, many are hopeful this move could spur broader national and West African tourism growth—setting a new benchmark for other states to follow.