“Peter Obi Advocates for Sports Tourism Development to Drive Economic Growth in Nigeria”
Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has urged the Nigerian government to prioritize the development of sports tourism as a means to drive sustainable economic growth through Direct Foreign Investment (DFI).
Obi made this call during his keynote address at the National Football and Tourism Roundtable held on Friday in Abuja. The roundtable, themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Potential: Exploring the Synergy of Sports Tourism and Foreign Direct Investment,” gathered stakeholders to discuss how Nigeria can harness its sport tourism potential to attract investment and stimulate economic growth.
Represented by Peter Ameh, Public Affairs Analyst and National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Obi highlighted Nigeria’s deep passion for sports, particularly football, as a key opportunity to develop the sports tourism industry. He stressed that if properly cultivated, sports tourism could become a significant revenue generator for the country.
“Sports tourism is a rapidly growing global industry, and Nigeria’s passion for sports, especially football, positions it to develop infrastructure like stadiums, training facilities, and sports museums,” Obi stated. “By hosting international sports events, we can attract tourists, create jobs, stimulate local economies, and promote cultural exchange.”
Obi also emphasized the role of Direct Foreign Investment (DFI) in unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential. He acknowledged that while the country has faced challenges in attracting foreign investment, such as concerns about corruption, insecurity, and regulatory uncertainty, sports tourism could help create a more attractive investment climate.
“With the right infrastructure and policies in place, Nigeria can tap into foreign capital, expertise, and technology to drive growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty,” Obi added. “Sports tourism also offers a platform to showcase Nigeria’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty, which would enhance the country’s global appeal.”
To make sports tourism a reality, Obi called on Nigerian policymakers to take a proactive approach in developing necessary infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. This includes investing in key facilities, offering tax incentives, streamlining regulations, and addressing issues like corruption and security.
“This requires a commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance, as well as investments in security and law enforcement,” Obi said, urging the government to work closely with private sector stakeholders to create a conducive environment for investment.
In the same event, Akin Laniyi, Project Director of the World Football Exhibition, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the tourism and sports sectors. He noted that this roundtable offered an excellent opportunity for Nigeria to draw inspiration and ideas to enhance sports development in the country.
“This is a platform for interaction and learning, helping stakeholders see the strong connection between sports and tourism, which often gets overlooked,” Laniyi said.
As Nigeria continues to explore ways to unlock its economic potential, Obi’s call for investment in sports tourism underscores the immense opportunities that lie in combining the nation’s sports passion with strategic infrastructure and policies to attract global attention and investment.
