Wonders of Nigeria Expo gains Ministry of Tourism endorsement for 10th Edition in Lagos
The 10th edition of Nigeria’s esteemed domestic tourism exposition, the Wonders of Nigeria Expo, has garnered official endorsement from the Ministry of Tourism, marking a significant milestone in the event’s history.
Scheduled to take place in Lagos, this edition promises to showcase the nation’s rich cultural heritage and natural splendor, marking a departure from its traditional venue in Abuja since its inception in 2011.
Formerly known as Abuja Bantaba and later rebranded as Abuja Jabamah in partnership with the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) since 2021, the Wonders of Nigeria Expo has evolved into a premier platform for promoting travel and tourism within the country.
The decision to host the 2024 edition in Lagos was made during a tripartite meeting chaired by the Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John, who emphasised the importance of leveraging the expo to spotlight Nigeria’s scenic beauty.
Ambassador Ikechi Uko, a prominent advocate for Nigerian tourism and organiser of AKWAABA African Travel Market and Naija7Wonders, underscored the need to shift the narrative away from focusing solely on the nation’s challenges towards highlighting its myriad attractions.
“A lot of Nigerians want to see only the problems of Nigeria… but we can reinvent Nigeria by promoting the beauty of Nigeria,” remarked Ambassador Uko during the meeting.
His proposal to curate a collection of over 1000 high-quality images showcasing Nigeria’s diverse landscapes received enthusiastic support from the Minister, who pledged to engage state governments in contributing to the exhibition.
“The Ministry of Tourism will market every product in Nigeria… it is my job to sell those products, and these pictures will go a long way in repositioning the image of the country,” affirmed Minister Ade-John, emphasizing the role of tourism in driving economic growth and job creation.
In addition to showcasing picturesque destinations, the Wonders of Nigeria Expo will feature the Nigeria Tourism Specialist Course (NTSC) organised by NIHOTOUR, aimed at equipping tourism practitioners with comprehensive knowledge about the country’s cultural and historical heritage. Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, the Director-General of NIHOTOUR, highlighted the agency’s collaboration with Naija7Wonders and the introduction of Naijafoods, a gastronomy tour spanning the nation’s six geopolitical zones.
The two-day event, scheduled for April 18th and 19th, will be exclusive to registered travel professionals, offering a unique blend of training, awards, and culinary experiences. Day one will focus on NTSC training, while day two will feature the induction of Tourism 100 Club members, the prestigious Travellers Awards, and the popular Naijafood tour.
“The Wonders of Nigeria Expo serves as a platform to highlight the significance of museums and monuments in Nigeria’s tourism landscape,” noted organisers, stressing the event’s role in promoting cultural heritage and driving sustainable tourism development.
As preparations for the landmark 10th edition gather momentum, anticipation mounts for an immersive celebration of Nigeria’s rich tapestry of sights, flavors, and experiences at the Wonders of Nigeria Expo in Lagos.
