‘Tourism, entertainment key drivers of Lagos’ economic growth’
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s tourism and entertainment sectors have reaffirmed the importance of tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and regional integration following the launch of the Nairobi
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s tourism and entertainment sectors have reaffirmed the importance of tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and regional integration following the launch of the Nairobi Lifestyle Tour scheduled for April 2026.
The tour was unveiled at a press briefing held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, attended by key players from the tourism, aviation, travel, entertainment and media industries.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Bopo Oyekan-Ismail, said tourism and entertainment remained central to the state’s economic development strategy.
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Oyekan-Ismail, who represented the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson, said the Lagos State Government continued to support initiatives that promote international travel while positioning Lagos as a major tourism and aviation hub on the African continent.
“Tourism and entertainment are key drivers of economic development in Lagos State. This initiative will not only promote outbound travel but will also stimulate inbound tourism into Lagos from other countries,” she said.
She added that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has consistently prioritised tourism, culture and the creative economy as engines of growth, noting that the Nairobi Lifestyle Tour aligns with the state’s broader development agenda.
According to her, the tour is expected to have a positive economic impact on Lagos, particularly through increased aviation activities, hospitality patronage and allied services, as all outbound flights for the tour will depart from the state.
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Chief Executive Officer of Leisure Republic, Michael Kadiri, described tourism and lifestyle travel as powerful tools for economic transformation across Africa.
He said the Nairobi Lifestyle Tour represents a shift towards premium, curated travel experiences capable of unlocking value across multiple sectors of the economy.
“Tourism is no longer just about movement from one country to another; it is about value creation, partnerships and sustainable economic impact,” he said.
According to him, the initiative sets a new benchmark for African lifestyle travel, anchored on intentional Africa-to-Africa tourism, strong collaboration across the tourism value chain and the creation of long-term tourism bridges that benefit destinations, businesses and communities.
Kadiri added that Leisure Republic’s vision is to drive economic growth through premium tourism offerings spanning culture, entertainment, wildlife, wellness, cuisine and luxury hospitality, noting that Kenya provides a rich platform to showcase Africa’s diverse experiences.
