The President of the National Association of Tour Operators in Nigeria (NATOP), Hajia Biliqis Abdul, who is the CEO, Bboog Travels and Tours, Abuja, has congratulated the emerged Presidential candidates in Nigeria, tasking them on the necessity to design a blueprint for the development of tourism in Nigeria.
Hajia Abdul, in a release made available to newsmen in Abuja congratulated the three frontline presidential candidates of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, People Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; and Mr Peter Obi, Labour Party (LP), on their recent emergence as the flag bearers for their respective parties.
“It is my sincere happiness that the three of you are not only distinguished Nigerians with enviable records of excellent performance at different posts of responsibility but also glad that each of you has invested substantially in the tourism and hospitality sector of this country.”
Hajia Abdul said, “It is on this note that I am urging all of you at this onset to see the tourism sector of the Nigeria economy as a major concern of your development plan in your economic blueprint for Nigeria.”
She pointed out, “Your Excellencies, the tourism economy in Nigeria is of humongous proportion, which has not enjoyed a flash of interest from successive President in Nigeria except for the tenure of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who planted some fundamental structures which his successors never allowed to germinate.”
Hajia Abdul revealed that “You must see tourism as an alternative source of revenue and a potent economic booster with the largesse of its low-hanging fruits without heavy investment like the oil or mining sector.
Hajia Abdul said she realised that tourism is suffering neglect and deprivation because of a lack of proper advocacy from the practitioners and their failure to call the attention of political gladiators to the need to abinitio insert tourism development in their policy documents and blueprints.
She said’ This is the main reason why I am calling on all our Presidential candidates of each party to put tourism development as a critical sector of their developmental policy in their blueprints.”
Hajia Abdul pointed out, “I am challenging you all to ensure the planting of tourism as an alternative source of revenue generation for the nation. I congratulate all of you for emerging as your party flagbearer and pray to you. Almighty Allah, to protect you all as you strive to clinch the seat of the Presidency of this country.”
