State Prepares to Host Landmark Tourism Exhibition for Over 15,000 Stakeholders

In a bold effort to unlock Nigeria’s vast and largely untapped tourism potential, Lagos is set to host a landmark cultural and tourism exhibition in December 2025, an event designed to bring together over 15,000 stakeholders from across the country and overseas. The exhibition, organized by Migbaci Expo, is a strategic response to the decades-long neglect of a sector widely regarded as a potential gold mine for the nation’s economy.

According to Akinwale Alabi, the Chief Executive Officer of Migbaci Expo, the three-day event is aimed at changing the narrative around Nigeria’s tourism industry. “Tourism is the way to go,” Alabi stated. “That is the core reason we are hosting this event, to open eyes to what Nigeria has and what we’re failing to harness.” He lamented the lack of recognition for Nigeria’s vibrant festivals and heritage sites, arguing that the country’s tourism assets are far more substantial than those of many nations that have successfully monetized their cultural offerings.

The exhibition’s agenda is packed with activities designed to be both educational and practical. It will serve as a platform for training, discussions on policy reform, and direct investment opportunities. States from across the federation will be invited to showcase their unique cultural heritage, from historic landmarks and natural attractions to traditional festivals and craft demonstrations. The goal is to facilitate inter-state collaborations and create a unified national tourism front.

The Lagos State government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been actively promoting tourism as a key pillar of its development agenda. The state’s Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has been instrumental in spearheading initiatives that aim to make Lagos a “City of Festivals” and a year-round tourist destination. This upcoming exhibition is a powerful demonstration of that commitment, as it seeks to address a critical need for strategic investment and a change in mindset.

For the organizers, the exhibition is not just a trade fair; it is a call to action. With a full year-round calendar of cultural events that are largely ignored by both the government and the private sector, the event seeks to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and investors to see tourism not just as a leisure activity but as a serious business capable of creating jobs and generating significant revenue for the nation.