The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind the Nigeria Press Council’s (NPC) proposed national compendium documenting the economic and tourism profiles of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with Vice President Kashim Shettima describing the initiative as a potential national treasure that could project Nigeria’s rich potential to the global community.
The Vice President made the commitment on Thursday in Abuja when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Press Council led by its Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Dili Ezughah, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa.
Media Freedom Under Tinubu
In his remarks, Senator Shettima described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a steadfast friend of the media and a firm believer in press freedom, noting that the administration has maintained an enabling environment for journalists to operate without harassment over the past three years.
“The President is a friend of the media. He used to assist them from his personal resources, with newsprints and other support mechanisms. He is also a publisher. So, he knows the ecosystem very well, and he believes in the independence of the press,” Shettima stated.
The Vice President highlighted the President’s high tolerance for criticism, noting that despite incendiary remarks and libelous utterances against the administration, no journalist has faced harassment.
“For the past three years, have you heard of any harassment of journalists? His tolerance threshold is so high that people who are making incendiary remarks are allowed to have their day for peace to reign in the country,” he added.
Strategic Importance of the Compendium
The Vice President described the proposed publication titled, “Nigeria: Documenting the Economic and Tourism Profiles of the 36 States and the FCT,” as a welcome development that would effectively market Nigeria to the world.
“If you go to other countries, you will see similar books at the airport stands. In terms of the quality of the job, the writings are so top-notch that we can embrace it as our national treasure, and see to it that it is massively printed and circulated to our embassies,” Shettima observed.
He pledged to appeal to the 36 state governors to support the project, emphasizing that their involvement is critical to the compendium’s success.
“The subnationals own the land, own the people. Their role is very pivotal in really pushing this country forward,” he explained.
Tourism, Creative Economy as Diversification Drivers
Earlier, the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, underscored the compendium’s significance for Nigeria’s tourism and creative sectors.
According to the Minister, Nigeria’s tourism assets, cultural heritage, and creative industries represent major drivers of economic diversification. However, she stressed that for these sectors to attract investment and gain global recognition, they must be documented and presented in a structured and credible format.
The publication, she noted, would bring visibility to Nigeria’s cultural sites, tourism destinations, creative hubs, and heritage assets across all states and the FCT, positioning them for potential investors and international tourists.
Musawa expressed gratitude to the Vice President for his continued leadership and support for initiatives strengthening Nigeria’s economic and cultural positioning on the global stage.
Stakeholders Express Support
Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Mohammed Auwal Jatau, who spoke on behalf of Governor Bala Mohammed, expressed appreciation to the country’s leadership for supporting the project. He noted that if approved, every state stands to benefit according to its respective tourism potential.
For his part, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah, thanked the Vice President for granting audience to the NPC Planning Committee while acknowledging his consistent support for sub-national economic development and national coordination.
Dr. Ezughah explained that the compendium, which spotlights Nigeria’s economic and tourism profiles across all states, would benefit greatly from the Vice President’s strategic direction and the Federal Government’s official endorsement.
Looking Ahead
With the Federal Government’s endorsement and the Vice President’s commitment to secure buy-in from state governors, the national compendium project is poised to become a significant reference document showcasing Nigeria’s diverse economic opportunities and tourism destinations to both domestic and international audiences.
The initiative aligns with the administration’s broader agenda of economic diversification and international engagement, leveraging documentation and strategic communication to attract investment and promote Nigeria’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
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