Peace Building: Tourism a strategic pillar for regional stability
At ACF silver jubilee, the minister emphasizes cultural and economic assets as tools for security and development
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hajia Hannatu Musa Musawa, attended and chaired the first roundtable session on Tourism for Security at the Arewa Consultative Forum’s (ACF) 25th Anniversary and Endowment Fund launch in Kaduna, highlighting tourism as a strategic pillar for peace, economic renewal, and regional stability.
Speaking at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Hall, the Minister who chaired the first roundtable session on Tourism for Security, described tourism as a “strategic lever for unity, national cohesion and long-term security,” stressing that Nigeria cannot ignore the economic and peacebuilding potential embedded in its vast cultural and natural assets.
Below is the full text of her remarks as delivered:
FULL REMARKS OF HAJIYA HANNATU MUSA MUSAWA
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy At the Opening of the ACF 25th Anniversary & Roundtable on Tourism for Security.
Good afternoon distinguished guests, fathers, brothers and sisters. I am deeply honoured to chair this vital roundtable on Tourism for Security, especially at a time when our nation faces serious security challenges. But our gathering today is more than a discussion, it is a call to action.
Tourism is not simply a sector of leisure or recreation; it is an engine for economic growth, and more importantly, a strategic lever for peace, unity, stability, national renewal and cohesion. The relationship between tourism and security cannot be overstated. Insecurity erodes confidence. Visitors, local or foreign will not explore our heritage sites, national parks, monuments or cultural festivals if they fear for their safety.
Security, therefore, is not only about protecting people. It is also about safeguarding our tourism assets, many of which lie in the North: our museums, historical monuments, natural landscapes, and rich cultural traditions that deserve to be celebrated and preserved.
Imagine a Nigeria where every visitor feels welcomed, respected and safe; where our national wonders and creative hubs are not only admired, but also protected and woven into the fabric of our regional and national identity. Tourism must not remain on the margins, it must become a pillar of our security architecture. This is not a dream. It is a call. It is our calling.
People sometimes trivialise tourism as “bubblegum talk,” but it is not. It is a sector blessed by God and enriched by our ancestors. It holds immense potential for economic transformation if properly harnessed.
Tourism creates local opportunity. It allows communities to take ownership of destinations, giving them both pride and responsibility to protect what sustains them. When communities participate in tourism, they defend it not because government asks them to, but because it is their livelihood, identity and heritage.
At the ministry, we are mapping the tourism sector through a multi-faceted strategy, including our Creative Economy Data Mapping Report, the D30 Platform, and the National Tourism Master Plan. Through robust data analysis, we are identifying the investments and job opportunities tourism can generate. By next month, our tourism mapping will be completed, and we already know arithmetically, that tourism can deliver at least 2.57 million jobs by 2027.
Job creation fuels empowerment, economic expansion and ultimately strengthens security across the country.
To truly harness tourism’s potential, development must be community-led, not federal-driven. This is why we initiated the Renewed Hope Cultural Programme, an agreement that aligns federal and state efforts without working in silos. Several states have signed on, and more will follow in the coming months. Tourism cannot be dictated from Abuja; it must rise from communities, with the federal government providing full institutional support.
Through this initiative, we aim to restore cultural assets, preserve history, foster artistic expression and build digital archives that protect Nigeria’s heritage for future generations.
To our security agencies: walk with us. Safeguard our heritage; protect our collective dream. Your role is beyond enforcement, you are partners in nation-building.
To investors and business leaders: tourism is not a side hustle. It is not a bubblegum conversation. It is a strategic economic frontier. With our data mapping work, we can now show clearly and confidently where the opportunities lie and how the private sector can expand alongside the sector’s growth.
To communities across Arewa: you are not just beneficiaries, you are the backbone. Your stories, customs and traditions are what make Northern Nigeria extraordinary.
To government leaders across all ministries: collaboration is key. Nothing can be achieved in isolation. Tourism thrives only when we work hand-in-hand across sectors.
As I conclude, let us collectively build a tourism sector that reflects our greatness and inclusivity; one that creates jobs across villages, towns and cities; one that gives Arewa the unity, prosperity and global visibility it deserves. Let us build a Nigerian brand known for beauty, creativity and resilience and ensure that Arewa stands strong in that global conversation. Let us rise together and make Nigeria not just a destination, but a destination of peace, prosperity and brilliance.
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