By Jimoh Babatunde

Lagos — The Governing Council of the Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) has unveiled a renewed strategic direction for 2026, anchored on aligning vision with action to reposition Lagos as a leading tourism destination in Africa and beyond.
The Foundation, an initiative of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), was established to unify stakeholders across the tourism value chain and unlock the sector’s potential as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness. Since its formal unveiling in 2025, ETF has emerged as a coordinating platform for public- and private-sector players committed to transforming the tourism ecosystem.
Speaking on the Foundation’s 2026 outlook, members of the Governing Council noted that they will focus on moving beyond planning into measurable execution.
With tourism increasingly recognised as a viable alternative revenue source for Nigeria, the Council said strategic collaboration, investment mobilisation, and skills development will remain top priorities.
At the helm of the Foundation is Alhaji Lai Mohammed, former Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, who chairs both the Governing Council and the Board of Trustees.
Under his leadership, ETF has articulated a vision centred on positioning “Destination Lagos” as a year-round tourism hub that leverages the city’s strengths in culture, entertainment, hospitality, fashion, cuisine, and creative industries.

Key initiatives driving the 2026 agenda include the Eko Tourism Foundation Trust Fund, designed to attract local and foreign investment into tourism-related infrastructure and enterprises, and the ETF Academy, which aims to build human capital and professional capacity within the sector.
These initiatives are expected to address longstanding gaps in funding and skills that have limited tourism growth in the past.

The Foundation is also advancing experiential and promotional projects such as the Experience Lagos Project, which uses immersive and virtual tools to showcase Lagos’s tourism assets to global audiences, and plans for an Annual Eko Tourism Festival to celebrate culture while nurturing future tourism champions.
Industry stakeholders view ETF’s coordinated approach as timely, particularly as Nigeria’s tourism sector continues to demonstrate its economic relevance.
According to industry estimates, tourism already supports millions of jobs nationwide and contributes significantly to gross domestic product, with Lagos accounting for a large share of that activity.
Beyond economic impact, the Foundation’s strategy emphasizes sustainability, community inclusion, and global partnerships. ETF has begun engaging international organisations and development partners to strengthen institutional capacity and align Lagos tourism offerings with global best practices.
As preparations for 2026 gather momentum, the Governing Council expressed confidence that a disciplined alignment of vision, policy advocacy, and implementation will elevate the tourism ecosystem and enhance Lagos’s reputation as one of Africa’s most vibrant destinations.
With tourism positioned as both an economic catalyst and a cultural ambassador, the Eko Tourism Foundation says the next phase of its journey will be defined not just by ambition, but by results.
Present at the strategic session were Alhaji Lai Mohammed CON, Chairman Board of Trustees & Governing Council; Dr. Tunde Lawrenson, the Secretary General; Ms. Abiola Adelana, Treasurer Governing Council; Ms. Sharon Ashinze, Asst. Secretary Governing Council, and Mr. Karl Hala, Member, Governing Council, Eko Tourism Foundation.