Fed govt backs Press Council’s national economic, tourism compendium
The Federal Government has endorsed and pledged full support for the Nigeria Press Council’s (NPC) proposed national compendium documenting the economic and tourism potentials of the 36 states and the
- ...as Shettima pledges presidential endorsement, governors’ buy-in for landmark publication
- ...says Tinubu remains committed to press freedom, media independence
The Federal Government has endorsed and pledged full support for the Nigeria Press Council’s (NPC) proposed national compendium documenting the economic and tourism potentials of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Vice President Kashim Shettima gave the assurance on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the NPC, led by its Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Dili Ezughah.
Shettima described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a longstanding friend of the media and a firm believer in the independence of the press, stressing that the administration has, over the last three years, sustained an atmosphere conducive to journalists operating without intimidation.
In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Shettima said, “The President is a friend of the media. He used to assist them from his personal resources, with newsprint and other support mechanisms. He is also a publisher. So, he knows the ecosystem very well, and he believes in the independence of the press”.
According to him, the President’s high tolerance for dissenting voices underscores his commitment to democratic values.
“For the past three years, have you heard of any harassment of journalists? His tolerance threshold is so high that people who are making incendiary remarks are allowed to have their day, for peace to reign in the country,” Shettima added.
The Vice President pledged presidential backing for the NPC’s request for official national endorsement of the publication, titled “Nigeria: Documenting the Economic and Tourism Profiles of the 36 States and the FCT.”
He also promised to appeal to state governors across the federation to support and key into the project.
“The subnationals own the land, own the people. Their role is very pivotal in really pushing this country forward,” he stated, noting that governors’ buy-in would be critical to the success of the initiative.
Shettima expressed optimism that the compendium, once completed, would serve as a strategic tool in projecting Nigeria’s investment and tourism potential to the global community.
“If you go to other countries, you will see similar books at the airport stands. In terms of the quality of the job, the writings are so top-notch that we can embrace it as our national treasure, and see to it that it is massively printed and circulated to our embassies,” he observed.
Also speaking, the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa commended the Vice President for his leadership and sustained support for initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economic and cultural positioning.
She described the proposed publication as particularly significant for the tourism and creative economy sectors, noting that Nigeria’s cultural heritage, tourism destinations, and creative industries remain key drivers of economic diversification.
According to her, proper documentation and structured presentation of these assets are essential to attracting investment and gaining global recognition.
She explained that the compendium would bring visibility to Nigeria’s cultural sites, tourism destinations, creative hubs, and heritage assets across the 36 states and the FCT in a credible and coordinated format.
On behalf of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Deputy Governor Mohammed Auwal Jatau welcomed the initiative, expressing confidence that every state would benefit from the document based on its unique tourism and economic strengths.
Earlier, Dr. Ezughah thanked the Vice President for granting an audience to the NPC Planning Committee and acknowledged his consistent support for sub-national economic development and national coordination.
He said the compendium aims to spotlight Nigeria’s diverse economic and tourism profiles and would benefit from the Vice President’s strategic direction and endorsement.
The initiative, according to stakeholders, is expected to serve as a comprehensive national reference document, projecting Nigeria’s economic opportunities and tourism endowments to investors, development partners, and the international community.
