FG partners Emirates Airline to boost tourism

• Published On: 01 May 2025 at 07:14

The Federal Government's Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Emirates Airline to enhance tourism in Nigeria.

The tourism ministry said in a statement that the deal was formalised on Wednesday at the 2025 Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.

The alliance intends to showcase Nigeria as a leading tourism destination in Africa by using Emirates' extensive global network of over 140 passenger destinations.

According to the announcement, Emirates will vigorously promote Nigerian tourism in international markets, highlighting the country's rich cultural legacy and natural features, such as coastal sceneries and lively wetlands.

Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations at Emirates, signed the MoU, while Abiola Abdulkareem, Special Assistant to the Nigerian Minister on Sub-National Development and Tourism, signed on behalf of the ministry in the presence of Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, and other high-ranking officials from both sides.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, noted that the arrangement represents the airline's strengthened commitment to Nigeria.

"Since resuming operations in Lagos in October 2024, we have prioritised strategic collaboration in aviation, tourism, and trade." "This partnership invites international visitors to discover Nigeria's dynamic culture, natural beauty, and signature hospitality," he said.

Minister Musawa praised the arrangement as a significant step towards Nigeria's Destination 2030 Soft Power Initiative.

She stated, "This collaboration is essential for promoting our cultural assets on a global scale. With Emirates' global reach, we hope to spur economic growth, empower local communities, and raise Nigeria's status as a cultural and creative powerhouse."

The arrangement also involves a partnership with the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority to fund marketing efforts, training programs, and familiarisation trips for travel industry stakeholders.

Emirates stated that this endeavour will complement previous developments in Nigeria's aviation sector, including as the interline deal with Air Peace, which will allow connections from Dubai to 13 new destinations in Nigeria.