The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Nasarawa State, Dr. Ibrahim Tanko (Ph.D), alongside his Personal Assistant, Abdullahi Sulaiman Ahmed, paid a courtesy visit to the Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Dr. Olayiwola Awakan GrPr.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Tanko highlighted Nasarawa State’s vast and largely untapped tourism potential, noting that the state is richly endowed with natural, cultural, and historical attractions ready for development through strategic partnerships.
He outlined several key tourism assets across the state, including Farin Ruwa Waterfall, proposed as a potential site for a Film Village, and Pepe Ruwa, identified for resort development. He also referenced the presence of lakes in the state with rich biodiversity, suitable for leisure and recreational facilities. Further emphasis was placed on the economic potential of Keana Salt Lake as a salt-processing community, the historical heritage of Keffi, as well as attractions such as Doma Dam, cultural festivals, and the state’s diverse population of over 50 indigenous ethnic groups known for their hospitality.
Dr. Tanko added that Nasarawa State is actively seeking investors and is open to Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to unlock these tourism assets and drive sustainable economic growth.
In his response, the Director General, welcomed the Commissioner and his team and expressed appreciation for the visit. He stated that the mandate to develop tourism in Nigeria, as given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, cannot be achieved in isolation and requires strong collaboration between the federal government, states, and the private sector.
Dr. Awakan affirmed NTDA’s readiness to collaborate with Nasarawa State to spotlight and develop its tourism potential. He noted that initiatives such as a Film Village align with the vision of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, adding that NTDA is leveraging storytelling as a tool for tourism development in Nigeria.
