Being Text of a Paper Presented By His Excellency, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma, OON, (Garkuwan Doma), Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, at the National Tourism Workshop, Abuja, 19^th June, 2008.

 
It is my pleasure to join you as a participant at this national tourism workshop organised by the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation in collaboration with eTourism Limited holding here today in Nicon Luxury, Abuja.

2.          I also feel highly honoured to be asked to speak on the topic, Critical Issues in Implementing the Nigerian Tourism Development Master Plan: Its Relevance to Nasarawa State Government Tourism Project, the Farin Ruwa Multi Purpose Eco-Tourism Resort.

3.                A workshop of this nature is a welcome idea as one of the public-private partnership initiatives to stimulate the development of the tourism industry.  There is no doubt that this initiative is in furtherance of the provision of the National Tourism Policy and the National Tourism Master Plan.

4.                  I recall with nostalgia that I was involved in the Presidential Committee on Tourism (PCT) which gave birth to the National Tourism Master Plan.  I believe that if this all-important document is faithfully implemented, it will take us to the promised land.  That is why the document must not be left to gather dust on the shelf.

5.                Nigeria is blessed with abundant tourism potentials that have remained largely untapped.  What is fundamental is that we need to re-orientate our approach and review our commitment in harnessing these potentials.

6.        Our major challenges to my mind, is first and foremost to develop our domestic tourism which is largely un-organized.  This is a pre-condition to attracting foreign tourists and investors in the sector.

7.             One of such ways is to quickly and comprehensively develop our tourist sites, improve on our internal security arrangements and accessibility.  We equally need to tap on the traditional hospitality and friendliness of our people.

8.                  You will all agree with me that tourism is a major investment worldwide.  It is, however, capital intensive and has a long gestation period.  Obviously, the Federal Government being the key actor and motivator will have to provide the lead in creating the enabling environment. Amongst issues to be tackled are which are:

·                    Enhancement of free-flow of capital funds;

·                  Liberalised customs and immigration policies on importation of heavy-duty tourism equipment materials necessary for the development of the superstructure; 

·                    Training and re-orientation of personnel involved in tourism activities at all levels.

9.                  In cognizance of the capital intensive nature of the tourism industry, the Central Bank of Nigeria has a major role to play in terms of evolving fiscal policies to engender the participation of the private sector in the promotion of the PPP initiative in the development of tourism.

10.              General awareness and orientation of Nigerians toward the realization of the socio-economic advantages of a viable tourism industry and its multiplier effects in the economy.

11.              It is my expectation that if the above issues are properly addressed, Nigeria will be able to take its rightful position in the world tourism market.

 THE NASARAWA STATE EXPERIENCE

12.              It is gratifying that our own Farin Ruwa Eco-Tourism Resort has been earmarked in the Conference Capital Cluster of the Master Plan and is to be launched today as a tourism infrastructure.

13.              Permit me, therefore, to take liberty of this opportunity to introduce the project.  The project in question is situated in the Marhai Forest Reserve, 30 kilometers from Wamba.  It is a 2¹/₂ hour drive from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.  Farin Ruwa Falls is 150m high and 50m wide at the peak of the rainy season.

14.              It is rated as one of the highest and captivating water falls in Africa with the potential to attract both domestic and international tourists to the State and the country.  The following features are designed to make the Farin Ruwa Eco-Tourism Resort a world class tourism destination when completed:

·                    International golf course;

·                    Electric cable cars;

·                    Butterfly breeding centre;

·                    Bicycle tracks/horse riding;

·                    Hotels;

·                    Water sports/swimming pools;

·                    Mountaineering;

·                    Conference centre;

·                    Restaurants;

·                    Craft and antiques shops;

·                    Shopping complex;

·                    Wildlife Park

·                    Museum of Natural History

15.              Also located close to the falls is the Hydro Electric Independent Power Plant which is designed to integrate with the eco-tourism project.

16.              It is worthy of note that the Farin Ruwa Eco-Tourism project is the first mega project that is emerging from the national tourism master plan.  It has been identified as one of the priority projects to jump start the implementation of the National Tourism Master Plan.

17.              There are many considerations in support of this project as indicated in the master plan and supported by the World Bank experts.  These include the need to:

·                 Set up an active World Class Tourism Resort in Nigeria.

·                 Provide outlet for relaxation from Abuja, other parts of Nigeria and the neighbouring countries.

·                 Reduce the pressure on torist facilities and attractions in the Federal Capital Abuja, which is fast growing to be West Africa’s conference hub.

·                 Create retreat centre and conference facilities for the business sector of our economy.

·                 Provide alternative to Abuja for residential international golf course.

18.              I need to point out some of the advantages of the location of the project.  These include:

·                    Proximity to the nation’s capital, Abuja.

·                    Direct air transportation connection to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

·                    A network of motorways to the resort site.

·                    On-going free trade zone arrangement for the project.

·                    The wonders of Nature – Serene, unimaginable and unbelievable natural landscape and scenic beauty.

·                    History, cultural attraction and diversity of local souvenir items.

19.              It is gratifying to inform the audience and indeed the entire nation that Nasarawa State has taken the initiative in funding all engineering drawings and feasibility studies of this project.  We believe that both the Federal Government and the private sector shall support this initiative.  I therefore call on all sectors of national and international business interests to buy into the project.

20.              On this note, I once again warmly welcome you all to this workshop in the hope that I will soon be receiving prospective investors and partners, so that together we can build this noble project.

Thank you for listening and God bless.