By; Lubabatu Mohammed kusherki
In a bid to reposition tourism as a viable pillar of economic growth, the Niger State Government has initiated discussions with the Federal Ministry of Arts and Culture on strategic collaboration to develop and upgrade the state’s tourism assets.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ladidi Rakiya Bawa Bosso, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Mallam Habib Abdulkadir, led a delegation to the Ministry in Abuja. The engagement is in line with the development vision of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, which places renewed emphasis on unlocking the economic and cultural value of Niger State’s vast tourism potential.
Speaking during the visit, Hon. Bosso highlighted the depth of Niger State’s cultural and historical heritage, noting that from time-honoured festivals passed down through generations to sites that quietly tell stories of resilience and creativity, the state holds assets capable of attracting both domestic and international tourists. She emphasized the need to align state initiatives with national policies, global best practices, and institutional support to fully harness these opportunities.
Welcoming the delegation, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts and Culture, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale, commended Niger State’s proactive approach, He stressed that tourism development thrives best when federal and state institutions work in concert, assuring the delegation of the Ministry’s support in translating Niger State’s plans into tangible outcomes.
Adding context from the field, the General Manager of the Niger State Tourism Corporation, Hajiya Zainab Mohammed, referenced Bida’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City, describing it as proof that local ingenuity, when properly nurtured, can earn global attention. She highlighted the need to further develop indigenous festivals and iconic sites such as the Ladi Kwali Pottery Centre, recalling how such cultural spaces have historically served not just as tourist attractions but as living classrooms of heritage and craftsmanship.
The meeting reinforced a shared commitment to tourism development, cultural preservation, and the growth of the creative economy, with a clear understanding that culture, when strategically supported, can tell powerful stories, create jobs, and drive sustainable development across Niger State.