Lagos has made a decisive move to cement its place on the global tourism map with the official unveiling of the Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) — an initiative launched under the auspices of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). The Foundation’s mission is clear and ambitious: to make Lagos the tourism heartbeat of Africa.
The event also marked the inauguration of the Foundation’s Governing Council and Board Members, formally sworn in to steer ETF’s strategic vision. The newly inaugurated team includes Alhaji Lai Mohammed as Chairman, Governing Council; Dr Tunde Lawrenson as Secretary; HRH Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos; Chief Nike Okundaye, Founder of Nike Art Gallery; Prince Yemisi Shyllon, Founder/CEO of Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Art Foundation; Mr. Karl Hala, Group General Manager, Continental Hotels; Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo, DSM, Eko Hotel and Suites; and Abiola Adelana, Tourism and Creative Arts Business Head at Sterling Bank, among others.
Bringing together distinguished figures from tourism, culture, hospitality, and business, the Board is expected to propel ETF’s mission of positioning Lagos as Africa’s foremost tourism destination.
Speaking at the official launch held at Eko Hotel and Suites, the Foundation’s Chairman, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, described the ETF as “a bold, forward-thinking platform designed to harness the economic power of tourism.”
The former Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism explained that the Foundation will serve as the policy advocacy voice for the tourism sector, create a collaborative framework for government and private stakeholders, and champion global marketing campaigns for Destination Lagos — and by extension, Destination Nigeria.
“Tourism is one of the most powerful engines of growth anywhere in the world,” Mohammed said. “The Eko Tourism Foundation will harness that power to drive Nigeria’s economy and create millions of jobs.”
Highlighting Lagos’ dynamic cultural and entertainment scene, he noted that the city already commands global attention through its vibrant “Detty December” celebrations, nightlife, Owambe parties, fashion, cuisine, and arts.
“The Foundation will ensure this energy is sustained and scaled into a year-round global attraction,” he added.
According to Mohammed, tourism currently contributes 3.6% to Nigeria’s GDP — about $17.3 billion — and supports 10 to 15 million jobs nationwide. Lagos alone boasts over 2,000 hotels and 70,000 rooms, among the highest occupancy rates in Africa.
Citing data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), he projected that the sector is poised to grow by 5.4% annually between 2023 and 2030, creating 2.6 million new jobs and generating an additional $5.58 billion in revenue.
To achieve its objectives, the ETF will implement several flagship initiatives, including:
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Eko Tourism Foundation Trust Fund – to attract and manage investments;
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ETF Academy – for human capital development;
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ETF International Conference & Exhibition – for global networking and policy engagement;
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Experience Lagos Project – offering immersive and virtual tourism experiences;
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ETF Annual Festival – to celebrate creativity, culture, and youth participation.
The Foundation also introduced membership categories such as Grand Patron, Chancellor, Champions, Ambassadors, Custodians, Pillars, Industry Heroes, and Face of ETF, aimed at fostering wide-ranging stakeholder participation.
Mohammed commended Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, President of LCCI, for his vision in birthing the initiative, and applauded members of the ETF Board of Trustees — including HRH Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Chief Nike Okundaye, Prince Yemisi Shyllon, Mr. Karl Hala, Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo, and Dr. Tunde Lawrenson — for their dedication to advancing Nigeria’s tourism agenda.
“The tourism sector has long suffered from fragmented efforts and disjointed voices,” he remarked. “The Eko Tourism Foundation will harmonize the industry, engage government constructively, attract investments, and create millions of jobs.”