Nigeria has intensified its campaign for global recognition of agritourism using the commemoration of the third World Agritourism Day in Abuja to mobilise international support for the adoption of May 16 as an official United Nations observance.
The event held at the Conference Hall of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Maitama, Abuja, brought together diplomats, policymakers, development partners and government agencies to discuss strategies for strengthening agritourism as a catalyst for food security, employment generation, rural development and economic diversification.
Speaking during the event President of the World Agritourism Organization Trust Henry Ogboi, said Nigeria is positioning itself at the forefront of a growing global movement aimed at linking agriculture with tourism trade and investment opportunities.
According to Ogboi the organisation which was inaugurated through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation was established to promote sustainable economic growth through partnerships with both local and international investors in the agritourism sector.
He noted that Nigeria has a long-standing history in global tourism advocacy recalling the contributions of Ignatius Amaduwa Atigbi in the establishment of World Tourism Day which is celebrated globally every September 27.
Ogboi explained that the inauguration of World Agritourism Day on May 16 2023, marked another significant milestone for Nigeria’s agriculture and tourism sectors, adding that the country is now seeking broader international recognition for the initiative.
He disclosed that Nigeria will formally present a proposal for the establishment of a United Nations World Agritourism Organization during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly scheduled for September 8 2026, in New York.
According to him the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been directed to coordinate diplomatic engagements and consultations with member states to secure global backing for the proposal.
Participants at the ceremony also witnessed the unveiling of the Agritourism Global Perspectives Practice Policies Guidelines and Framework Roadmap a strategic document designed to guide countries investors and stakeholders interested in developing agritourism projects and policies.
Representatives of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation speaking on behalf of George Akume described agritourism as an important bridge connecting agriculture, tourism, trade and cultural preservation.
They noted that expanding agritourism activities could significantly boost rural economies through farm-based enterprises, educational tours, agricultural festivals and direct farm produce sales while supporting Nigeria’s food security objectives under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Foreign diplomats who attended the event expressed strong support for greater international cooperation in the agritourism sector.
Burundi’s envoy, Desire Hpfubuja, said agritourism aligns with Burundi’s long-term development agenda focused on agricultural transformation and food sufficiency. He stressed that agriculture remains the backbone of Burundi’s economy and could create sustainable opportunities for women and youths.
Russia’s Agricultural Attaché, Vladimir Efremov, stated that Russia has successfully transformed farms into recreational and educational destinations for urban residents seeking stronger connections with agriculture and food production.
He emphasised that stronger partnerships between governments and private sector investors are critical to improving agricultural productivity and addressing global hunger challenges.
India’s Deputy High Commissioner, Voultihe Rowat, highlighted India’s agricultural transformation through innovation, mechanisation and reforms, pointing to the country’s globally recognised spice gardens, tea plantations and orchards as successful agritourism models.
She pledged India’s support for deeper collaboration with Nigeria in developing the sector.
Also speaking, Ghana’s Deputy High Commissioner, Gladys Deddy Akyoa, said Africa possesses enormous agricultural potential due to its vast uncultivated arable land and youthful population.
She explained that agritourism could stimulate economic activities in rural communities, generate employment and create new income streams for young Africans across the continent.
The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority represented by Lucas Nelson Shehu on behalf of Director General Ola Awakan reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting agritourism as part of efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy and encourage youth participation in productive sectors.
Representatives from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Correctional Services, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria and other agencies also participated in the programme.
Stakeholders at the event unanimously agreed that agritourism remains a critical pathway toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on poverty reduction, zero hunger, economic growth and sustainable communities.
