Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that the newly launched National Compendium on the Economic and Tourism Profiles of Nigeria’s 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will serve as a strategic tool for attracting investment, creating jobs, promoting tourism, and driving inclusive national development. This was contained in a statement signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, mnipr, Special Assistant (Media), to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation.
Speaking at the Sub-National Government Economic and Tourism Information Roundtable and the official launch of the Compendium in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister described the publication as a practical instrument for showcasing the vast economic and tourism opportunities across the country.
“Every state has unique assets in agriculture, solid minerals, cultural and creative industries, historic sites, natural attractions, technology, manufacturing, trade and services. Properly documented and promoted, these assets can attract investment, create jobs, and generate revenue that supports inclusive national development,” the Minister said.
Idris noted that the publication aligns with the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to promote Nigeria’s image and reputation, support national development, and provide citizens and the international community with credible and timely information about the country’s opportunities. “This compendium is more than a publication. It is an investment guide, a tourism promotion document, and a practical instrument for projecting Nigeria’s sub-national strengths to the world,” he stated.
The Minister said the initiative comes at a time when the Federal Government is implementing major economic reforms to strengthen investor confidence, expand economic opportunities, and position Nigeria for sustainable growth. “By providing credible and accessible information on the economic and tourism assets of our states, the compendium complements ongoing reforms and serves as a practical tool for unlocking sub-national development,” he said.
He called on state governments, investors, development partners, members of the diplomatic community, and the private sector to make effective use of the publication in promoting economic growth and investment opportunities across the country.
Describing the roundtable as a call to action, Idris urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions and focus on concrete outcomes that will translate Nigeria’s vast potential into measurable development. “This roundtable is a call to action. It is an invitation to move from potential to prosperity, from documentation to implementation, and from discussion to investment, collaboration, and measurable development outcomes,” he said.
The Minister commended the Nigerian Press Council for spearheading the initiative and praised its Executive Secretary, Dr Dili Ezughah, for his leadership and commitment to strengthening the institution.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Office of the Vice President, the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, state governments, development partners, and other stakeholders who contributed to the successful delivery of the project.
The event featured the formal presentation and launch of the National Compendium, which documents the economic and tourism profiles of all 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, with participants drawn from government, the diplomatic community, the organised private sector, development institutions, and tourism stakeholders.
The event was attended by the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr. Tope Fasua, who represented the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule; the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad; the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah; Commissioners of Information from various states of the Federation, members of the diplomatic community, development partners, private sector stakeholders, and other distinguished guests.
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