The Chairman of the Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) and former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has urged stronger tourism and investment ties between Nigeria and Mexico. He made the call during a courtesy visit to the Honorary Consul of Mexico in Lagos, Biodun Otunola, on Wednesday. Mohammed proposed joint tourism exchange programmes, including familiarization (FAM) trips, partnerships between Nigerian and Mexican tour operators, cultural festival collaborations, and increased Mexican investment in Lagos' hospitality sector. He cited Mexico's successful tourism model—built on culture, heritage and strategic promotion—as a valuable reference point for Lagos.
Mohammed described the Honorary Consul's office as a vital link for bilateral engagement and extended a formal invitation to Mexican investors, operators and tourists to explore opportunities in Lagos. He highlighted the city's dynamic business environment, large consumer market and vibrant cultural scene as key draws. The ETF, a non-profit platform for tourism stakeholders, is seeking affiliate membership with UN Tourism, a move backed by the Federal Government. Also present were Gabriel Idahosa, former President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo, Director of Sales and Marketing at Eko Hotel and Suites; and Mr. Otunola, who praised Lagos' untapped tourism potential and urged the Lagos State Government to take greater ownership of the "Detty December" initiative.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed is leveraging his post-ministerial role to position Lagos as a global tourism player, but tourism growth hinges on more than high-level invitations. Without direct support from the Lagos State Government—especially on events like "Detty December"—even the most promising partnerships may struggle to deliver tangible results for local businesses and infrastructure.
