Lawmaker reassures investors on viability of Nigeria’s tourism industry

The Nigeria Senate Committee on Tourism, Culture and National Orientation has reassured investors on the viability of investing in the country's tourism industry.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hassan Barata, gave the assurance on Monday at the opening of the Boat Regatta Event of the Abuja Carnival 2011, which was a display of the cultural heritage of the river-side people with adorned canoes displaying skills and dexterity on water.

Repositioning culture in Nigeria

He said the committee was working alongside other relevant agencies toward repositioning culture in the country with a view to boosting foreign exchange earnings.

Barata said that appropriate legislation would be made in that regard.

He said: “The organised private sector and indeed all Nigerians at home and abroad can be re-assured that an investment in the tourism industry is one that is capable of yielding a mega profit.”

The Chairman added that the committee will in collaboration with other agencies of like minds, encourage a departure from the set idea that culture can only be accommodated for Airport receptions, marriages and state dinners.

He said: “We will encourage the creation of an atmosphere where government will capitalise on Nigeria’s unique heritage diversity and robustness to increase its foreign exchange earnings in the culture and tourism industry.

“We will play our rightful role by passing relevant laws and amending others where necessary,” he added.

The Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr Barclays Ayakoroma, described the event as “a unique and key component of the carnival and a must see event.''

In his words, “It is an aquatic performance that offers a mind-blowing display of the rich artistic splendour and the sea faring heritage of the river-side communities in Nigeria.”

According to him, it presented an opportunity for the people to showcase their skills in boat building, decoration, paddling and maneuvering on water.

Seven states participated at the 7th Boat Regatta of the festival.

The states are Rivers, Bayelsa, Ogun, Ondo, Kebbi, Kogi and Kano.

NAN/Adekusibe/Williams