Nigeria’s tourism expert, Ikechi Uko, has described Enugu State as a model for leveraging tourism, infrastructure and aviation to drive economic growth and attract private sector investment.
Uko made the remarks during the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, held in partnership with the National Tourism and Hospitality Investment Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) in Abuja.
Presenting a paper titled “Tourism and Economic Growth: State Policy, Infrastructure and Destination Development,” Uko said Enugu’s development strategy demonstrates how deliberate government investment in infrastructure, aviation, hospitality and tourism can stimulate economic activities and create sustainable jobs.
He noted that the state’s approach extends beyond promoting tourist attractions to creating an enabling environment where transportation, hospitality, investment and destination development work together to support economic expansion.
According to him, the administration’s investments in aviation, including improvements to airport infrastructure and the establishment of a state-backed airline, have enhanced connectivity, increased investor confidence and positioned Enugu as an attractive destination for business and leisure.
Uko also commended the state government’s decision to renovate and concession government-owned hotels to private operators, describing the initiative as a successful public-private partnership that has improved service delivery, created employment opportunities and revitalised previously abandoned public assets.
He observed that the combined investments have led to an increase in conferences, exhibitions, business meetings and hotel patronage, contributing to greater economic activity across the state.
The tourism expert urged other state governments to adopt integrated development strategies that combine infrastructure, aviation, security and tourism as a means of diversifying their economies, attracting investment and promoting sustainable development.
He maintained that tourism can only achieve its full economic potential when supported by sound government policies and sustained investment in critical infrastructure.
