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Uko says coordinated investments in infrastructure, aviation and tourism are transforming Enugu’s economy.
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State’s airline, airport upgrades and concessioned hotels cited as examples of successful public-private collaboration.
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Tourism expert urges other states to adopt integrated development strategies to attract investment, create jobs and grow their economies.
Aug 01, (THEWILL) — Nigeria’s tourism expert, Ambassador Ikechi Uko, has cited Enugu State as a model of how coordinated investments in infrastructure, aviation, hospitality and tourism can stimulate economic growth and attract private-sector investment.
Speaking at the 2026 Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) Annual General Meeting, held in partnership with the National Tourism and Hospitality Investment Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) in Abuja, Uko said Enugu’s development strategy demonstrates that tourism delivers stronger economic returns when backed by deliberate government policies and sustained infrastructure investment.
He said the state’s strategy goes beyond promoting tourist attractions, focusing instead on creating an enabling environment in which transport, hospitality, investment, and destination development work together to support economic expansion.
According to Uko, the administration prioritised infrastructure and aviation by strengthening the airport, establishing a state-backed airline and adopting a commercial model that allows private operators to manage daily operations while the government earns predictable revenue through leasing arrangements.
He noted that the aviation initiative has improved connectivity, boosted investor confidence and positioned Enugu as a more attractive destination for business and leisure travel.
Uko also highlighted the state’s decision to revive abandoned government-owned hotels by renovating and concessioning them to private operators, describing the approach as a practical example of how public-private partnerships can unlock value, create jobs and improve service delivery instead of leaving public assets idle.
He said the governor later invited him to assess Enugu’s tourism potential and subsequently directed officials to implement recommendations to strengthen destination marketing, infrastructure and tourism investment.
The tourism expert said the impact of those interventions is becoming increasingly visible, with more conferences, exhibitions and business meetings taking place in the state, resulting in higher hotel occupancy and increased economic activity.
“Anyone who visited Enugu a few years ago and returns today can see the difference. The roads have improved, hospitality facilities have expanded, conferences are increasing and economic activities are growing”, he said.
Uko stressed that tourism cannot succeed in isolation, arguing that sustained investment in transport infrastructure, security, hospitality and destination promotion is essential for building competitive tourism economies.
He urged other state governments to adopt integrated development strategies that combine infrastructure, aviation and tourism to diversify their economies, attract investment and create sustainable jobs.
Uko made the remarks during his presentation on “Tourism and Economic Growth: State Policy, Infrastructure and Destination Development” at the FTAN AGM, held in partnership with NTIFE 2026, in Abuja.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
