Key players in the tourism, leisure, recreation and hospitality sector in Benue State have called for deeper collaboration between the private sector and government to unlock the industry’s economic potential.
This was the focus of an official visit by industry stakeholders to the Director-General of the Bureau for Arts, Culture and Tourism (BACT), Shadrach Teryila Ukuma, at his office within the Aminu Isa Kontogora Arts & Theatre Complex in Makurdi.
The delegation comprised members of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), which brings together more than 23 tourism and hospitality professional bodies nationwide. The visit was aimed at strengthening working relationships with the Benue State Government and developing practical strategies to reposition tourism as a viable economic driver in the state. Discussions during the meeting centred on positioning tourism as a private-sector-led investment opportunity, with government providing the enabling environment through improved security, tax incentives, supportive policies and infrastructure development.
Stakeholders agreed that with the right framework, the tourism, leisure, recreation and hospitality industry could significantly contribute to job creation, internally generated revenue and overall economic prosperity in Benue State. Participants described Dr. Ukuma as a competent and visionary leader with a clear determination to reposition Benue’s tourism industry as a major economic player. They cited the range of ideas, programmes and projects outlined by the Director-General as evidence of a renewed strategic direction for the sector. Commendations were also extended to the Director of Tourism at the Bureau, Mathias Igomu, and the Officer-in-Charge of Parks and Recreation Centres, Mark Ode, for their deep understanding of tourism policy, planning, administration and development.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Benue State Coordinator of FTAN and National President of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Alumni, alongside the Benue State Coordinator of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), Mr. Clement Bologo, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and constructive engagement. The visit also coincided with an interaction with the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Tiza Imojime, described as a positive sign of growing inter-ministerial alignment in support of tourism development.
Stakeholders concluded that a “Greater Benue” anchored on tourism-led growth is not only possible but achievable if the sector is deliberately prioritised in the state’s economic development agenda. They expressed optimism that sustained collaboration between government and industry players would gradually reposition tourism, leisure, recreation and hospitality as a preferred sector in Benue State’s growth trajectory, unlocking the state’s vast cultural, natural and recreational assets.
