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President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed the Federal Government’s readiness to develop the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos into a duty-free entertainment centre.
He said his administration had also identified 100 heritage centres nationwide for reactivation as part of its efforts at improving the nation’s tourism sector.
Jonathan spoke on Thursday evening at the launch of the nation’s official tourism identity, “Fascinating Nigeria,” at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The President, who was represented by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, said besides the employment opportunities they would create, the heritage sites would also raise the nation’s profile in the international arena.
He was optimistic that the new national tourism brand would help globally to proclaim a new and exciting phase in the country’s tourism transformation.
Jonathan also promised to encourage greater collaboration with the private sector in upgrading other cultural centres in the short and medium term bases.
He added that the government was committed to completing the National Cultural Centre, Abuja also known as “The Millennium Towers,” which is currently under construction.
“Our determination to transform this (tourism) sector for the benefit of the present and future generations of our people will be underscored by fostering investments and supporting the provision of comprehensive infrastructure, as well as institutional support for projects and activities that will enhance the rise of sustainable development in the tourism sector,” he said.
He said in order to further enhance the sector, he had directed the Ministry of Trade and Investment to work with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation in developing sector-specific mechanisms that would stimulate and sustain investments in the sector.
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