By Isaac Mission
Tourism expert, Ambassador Ikechi Uko, has identified Enugu State as a leading example of how strategic investments in infrastructure, aviation, hospitality and tourism can drive economic growth and attract private-sector investment.
Speaking at the 2026 Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) Annual General Meeting, held alongside the National Tourism and Hospitality Investment Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) in Abuja, Uko said tourism delivers greater economic benefits when supported by deliberate government policies and sustained investment in critical infrastructure.
According to him, Enugu's development model focuses on building a strong foundation for economic expansion by integrating transportation, hospitality, destination development and investment rather than relying solely on promoting tourist attractions.
He explained that the state has strengthened its aviation sector through airport improvements and the establishment of a state-owned airline, while adopting a commercial arrangement that allows private operators to manage daily operations. He noted that the approach provides the government with stable revenue while improving efficiency and air connectivity.
Uko said the improved aviation system has enhanced investor confidence and made Enugu a more attractive destination for both business and leisure travel.
He also commended the state's decision to rehabilitate abandoned government-owned hotels and concession them to private operators, describing the initiative as a practical public-private partnership that has revived dormant assets, created employment opportunities and improved service delivery.
The tourism expert disclosed that he was invited by the Enugu State Government to assess the state's tourism potential and make recommendations on destination development. He said several of those recommendations were adopted, leading to improvements in tourism infrastructure, destination marketing and investment.
According to Uko, the results are already evident in the increasing number of conferences, exhibitions and business events hosted in the state, which have contributed to higher hotel occupancy rates and increased economic activities.
He observed that visitors returning to Enugu after several years can easily notice significant improvements in road infrastructure, hospitality facilities and the overall business environment.
Uko emphasized that tourism cannot thrive in isolation, stressing that investment in transportation, security, hospitality and destination promotion must work together to build a competitive tourism economy.
He urged other state governments to embrace integrated development strategies that combine infrastructure, aviation and tourism as a means of diversifying their economies, attracting investors and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
The remarks were delivered during his presentation titled "Tourism and Economic Growth: State Policy, Infrastructure and Destination Development" at the FTAN Annual General Meeting and NTIFE 2026 in Abuja.
