The Taraba State government has set a significant goal of generating N3 billion annually from its tourism sector, as part of a strategic initiative to diversify and strengthen its revenue sources.
Joseph Nagombe, the Commissioner for Heritage and Ecotourism, announced this target during a stakeholder engagement session hosted by Governor Agbu Kefas in Abuja. The Kefas administration is actively revitalizing the state’s tourism landscape by enhancing key cultural and ecological events, such as the Nwonyo International Fishing Festival, World Tourism Day celebrations, and the Febe Cultural Festival. These efforts include upgrading facilities to improve visitor experiences, which are expected to drive economic benefits.
Nagombe expressed confidence in reaching the revenue target with planned infrastructure improvements, stating, “With the planned infrastructure improvements, we are confident of achieving N3 billion annually in tourism revenue.”
Highlighting the success of recent events, he noted that the 2024 Nwonyo International Fishing Festival has set a national benchmark, being recognized as the best in the country, and emphasized the administration’s commitment to building on this success.
In line with the state’s broader tourism strategy, Nagombe called upon retired General Theophilus Danjuma, a notable figure in Taraba, to invest in a five-star hotel on the picturesque Mambilla Plateau in Sardauna Local Government Area. This investment, he argued, would significantly enhance the region’s attractiveness to both local and international tourists.
Nagombe also encouraged other investors to take advantage of the pro-business policies of the current administration, highlighting the opportunities for collaboration in the tourism sector. “The enabling environment created by Governor Kefas’s leadership presents a golden opportunity for investors to collaborate in driving the growth of our tourism industry,” he stated.
The interactive session, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, gathered a diverse group of Taraba stakeholders, including National Assembly members, industry leaders, technocrats, and media representatives, demonstrating the state’s commitment to fostering partnerships aligned with its economic development agenda.
Taraba’s tourism sector, with its rich cultural heritage and natural attractions like the Mambilla Plateau, possesses tremendous potential as a revenue generator. By focusing on infrastructure development and strategic partnerships, the Kefas administration aims to position the state as a leading tourism destination in Nigeria. This initiative is part of a broader economic diversification plan to reduce reliance on federal allocations and fully unlock the state’s economic potential.
