Abuja, Nigeria – June 11, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on African countries to implement deliberate and practical policies that promote eco-friendly tourism and protect the continent’s rich cultural heritage.
Speaking at the 68th United Nations Regional Meeting on Sustainable Tourism, the Nigerian leader stressed the need for African nations to prioritize environmental sustainability while tapping into the economic potential of the tourism industry.
Tinubu emphasized that sustainable tourism not only supports the continent’s natural and historical assets but also plays a key role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in areas of employment, climate action, and poverty reduction.
“We must develop tourism infrastructure with respect for the environment. This means leveraging green technology, community participation, and policy frameworks that safeguard our culture and biodiversity,” the President said.
He further called for stronger regional collaboration, investment partnerships, and innovation in tourism to ensure the continent’s unique offerings are globally competitive and sustainably managed.
The conference, attended by top government officials, investors, and tourism stakeholders across Africa, also addressed challenges such as climate change, insecurity, and inadequate infrastructure affecting tourism development.
President Tinubu’s remarks were widely applauded, with many stakeholders acknowledging Nigeria’s increasing role in shaping sustainable development discourse on the continent.
