The Federal Government (FG) has endorsed a landmark project by the Nigeria Press Council (NPC) to document the economic and tourism assets of all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the government’s support yesterday during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa by an NPC delegation led by Executive Secretary and CEO, Dili Ezughah.
The publication, titled “Nigeria: Documenting the Economic and Tourism Profiles of the 36 States and the FCT,” is envisioned as a “national treasure” that will serve as a premier marketing tool for the country.
Shettima noted that the high-quality compendium would be strategically circulated to Nigerian embassies worldwide and made available at international transit points, similar to high-end publications found in other global hubs.
To ensure the project’s success, he pledged to engage the 36 state governors to secure their critical “buy-in,” noting that sub-national governments are pivotal to national progress.
During the meeting, he reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to a free and independent press.
He characterised the President as a long-term ally of the media who has historically used personal resources to support news organisations.
“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,” Shettima stated, highlighting the administration’s respect for diverse opinions.
Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, emphasised that the compendium is a vital step toward economic diversification.
She argued that for Nigeria’s heritage sites and creative hubs to attract serious investment, they must be presented in the structured, credible format the NPC is currently developing.
Supporting this sentiment, Bauchi State Deputy Governor Mohammed Jatau, representing Governor Bala Mohammed, noted that the document would provide a platform for every state to benefit from its unique tourism potential once officially approved.
Ezughah expressed gratitude for the Vice President’s strategic direction, noting that the NPC Planning Committee sought the Presidency’s guidance to ensure the compendium effectively spotlights Nigeria’s economic profile.
The endorsement marks a significant collaboration between the media regulatory body and the executive arm to promote national identity and attract global interest in Nigeria’s untapped sectors.
