The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s economic, cultural and tourism potential through a comprehensive national compendium documenting opportunities across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Minister stated this while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Press Council led by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Dili Ezughah, during a courtesy visit to Radio House, Abuja, ahead of the official launch of the publication scheduled for June 17, 2026, at the Presidential Villa.
Speaking during the meeting, Idris described the project as a timely and strategic initiative designed to showcase Nigeria beyond negative narratives and highlight the country’s vast economic and tourism opportunities.
“This project is important because it highlights the enormous economic and tourism potential of our country at a time when some people focus only on negative narratives about Nigeria,” the Minister said.
He noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly efforts aimed at diversifying the economy through tourism, culture, investment promotion and the expansion of the non-oil sector.
According to him, Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, tourism assets and investment opportunities position the country as more than an oil-dependent economy.
The Minister also commended the collaboration between the Nigerian Press Council, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and other stakeholders involved in the initiative.
He stressed that the documentation would provide credible information for investors and the international community about Nigeria’s economic strengths and opportunities.
Idris further assured the delegation of the support of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation towards the successful hosting of the launch event, while appreciating Vice President Kashim Shettima for supporting the initiative.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah, explained that the project was conceived to promote collaboration among government institutions in projecting Nigeria positively to the global community.
He disclosed that the publication would serve as a strategic reference material for investors, diplomatic missions, development partners, chambers of commerce and Nigerians in the diaspora by providing detailed economic and tourism information on all states of the federation.
Also speaking, the Lead Consultant for the project, Mr. Tajudeen Toyin-Oke, said the compendium contains comprehensive profiles of all the states and the FCT, including investment opportunities, tourism assets, mineral resources, infrastructure and business incentives.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Dr. Ola Awakan, described the initiative as a major step towards promoting Nigeria’s tourism and cultural heritage globally.
He said the project would help reshape negative perceptions about Nigeria while showcasing the country’s strengths and opportunities to the international community.
The delegation also disclosed that President Tinubu is expected to write the foreword to the publication, while Vice President Shettima will write the preface.
The launch is expected to attract governors, diplomats, investors, development partners and key stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond.