Former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has lamented the failure of successive governments to sustain tourism initiatives in Nigeria, saying the country’s tourism graveyard is filled with great ideas.

Fayemi stated that many tourism programmes introduced by governments across the country collapsed because they were built around individuals and political administrations rather than durable institutions capable of sustaining long-term development.

Speaking at the International Tourism Summit 2026 organised by the Oyo State Government recently, the former governor said Nigeria’s tourism industry had suffered more from poor execution and lack of continuity than from absence of ideas.

He stressed, “The graveyard of our country’s tourism is not littered with bad ideas. It is littered with good ideas that were never institutionalised or carefully executed.”

According to him, tourism has become a major global economic driver capable of generating employment, attracting foreign investment, improving infrastructure and strengthening cultural diplomacy, but Nigeria has failed to fully maximise those opportunities.

He stressed that sustainable tourism development can only thrive where governments deliberately establish systems, legal frameworks and policies that can survive changes in political leadership.

“Sustainable tourism development only succeeds when vision is translated into policy, systems and enforceable institutional frameworks capable of surviving political transitions,” he said.

Drawing from his experience in office, Fayemi recalled that Ekiti State had only two functioning hotels when he first became governor in 2010, despite possessing several tourism assets with huge economic potential.

He listed attractions such as Ikogosi Warm Springs, Arinta Waterfalls and the Hills of Okemesi, Erio and Efon, describing them as neglected treasures that had remained largely untapped for decades.

“These were not just beautiful places; they were untapped economic opportunities,” said Fayemi, who added that his government deliberately pursued institutional reforms rather than isolated projects because many government initiatives in Nigeria often collapse once new administrations assume office.

Also speaking at the summit, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, assured investors that his administration was building structures capable of sustaining tourism investments beyond his tenure.

Makinde said, “What happens after this administration? Will policies continue? Will agreements be honoured? Those are valid questions. We are not just initiating progress; we are building structures that can sustain it.

The governor further disclosed that the state had signed a 15-year concession agreement with SystemSpecs for the management of Bower’s Tower as part of efforts to deepen private sector participation in tourism infrastructure development.

Akinlotan is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of experience reporting on politics, social justice, motoring, railways, and aviation. His work focuses on accountability, public interest, and social change, producing stories that inspire reform and amplify underrepresented voices. Akinlotan’s reporting reflects extensive newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a strong commitment to accurate, impact-driven journalism.