By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The quest to position Lagos and Nigeria as major players in the global tourism industry received a significant boost on Thursday as the Eko Tourism Foundation,ETF, secured admission into the United Nations Tourism Organization,UN Tourism, as an Affiliate Member.

The landmark recognition, granted during the 126th Session of the Executive Council of UN Tourism in Toledo, Spain, elevates the Foundation into an exclusive global network of over 500 tourism stakeholders, including destination management organizations, tourism boards, educational institutions, industry associations and private-sector operators.

The development is being viewed as a major international endorsement of Nigeria’s growing tourism aspirations and a strategic opportunity for Lagos to strengthen its profile as a leading cultural, creative and leisure destination.

The Foundation’s membership application, submitted in November 2025, was approved by the global tourism body, with the Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Shaikha Al Nuwais, formally presenting the certificate of membership to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Eko Tourism Foundation, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, during the Executive Council meeting.

UN Tourism, a specialized agency of the United Nations, is responsible for promoting sustainable, inclusive and universally accessible tourism worldwide.

Reacting to the development, Mohammed, a former Minister of Information and Culture and Chairman of the Foundation’s Governing Council, described the admission as a strong international validation of the Foundation’s vision to transform tourism into a key driver of economic growth and development.

“This affiliation is a strong vote of confidence in the Eko Tourism Foundation and its commitment to advancing tourism development in Lagos, Nigeria and Africa. 

“It gives us a credible global platform to engage with tourism stakeholders across the world, exchange ideas, build partnerships and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of sustainable tourism,” he said in a press release by Nnamdi Atupulazi, Head of Strategic Communications,Lai Mohammed Media Office. 

Industry observers say the affiliation could open new opportunities for international collaboration, investment attraction, destination marketing and knowledge exchange, while also strengthening Nigeria’s voice in global tourism policy discussions.

As an Affiliate Member, ETF will gain access to UN Tourism’s extensive resources, including policy frameworks, research, capacity-building programmes, international best practices and collaborative initiatives designed to promote sustainable tourism development.

The status also confers global institutional credibility and visibility, placing the Foundation among influential organizations shaping the future of tourism across continents.

Established and formally unveiled in 2025, the Eko Tourism Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to tourism advocacy, investment promotion, destination marketing, research, capacity development and policy engagement.

The Foundation seeks to leverage Lagos’ rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, entertainment industry, arts, fashion, music and cuisine to attract visitors and investments, while advancing tourism as a sustainable alternative to Nigeria’s long-standing dependence on oil revenues.

Its admission into the UN Tourism family is expected to accelerate efforts to position Lagos as a globally competitive tourism hub and reinforce broader national ambitions to diversify the economy through the tourism and creative sectors.