The National Association of Nigeria Theatre Practitioners (NANTAP) has urged President-elect Bola Tinubu to establish a separate ministry of tourism and culture following his inauguration.
Mr. Israel Eboh, National President of NANTAP, noted in a statement that it was critical to prioritise the tourist and culture industries.
He stated that, in order to establish the creative industry as Nigeria’s economic mainstay, the tourism and culture sectors should not be integrated with the ministry of information, as is now the case.
“It is our sincere plea that now more than ever is the time to walk the talk by taking definite steps and actions that will develop and grow the industry to the standards that makes it a global competitor.
“We, therefore, appeal to you as president-elect to include in your administration`s economic agenda, the establishment of a stand-alone ministry of culture and tourism as a priority.
“This has the potential to take Nigeria out of the economic woods,” he said.
Eboh also urged the president-elect to seek out men and women with the technical abilities and know-how of creative administration and economy to drive the entire process.
According to him, the task before this ministry could never be realised or fulfilled if the sector would continue to be used for political compensation.
“The creative ability and will to excel of the average Nigerian has never been in doubt, what has always been lacking is the will on the part of government to harness this energy for national benefit.