Nigeria’s tourism market seen stabilising exchange rate

AUS-based attorney and Lagos politician, Owolabi Salis, has proffered solution to the challenge of dwindling revenue of the federal government.

He stated that tourism is veritable tool that can be used to resuscitate the ailing Nigeria’s currency, the Naira and fund the deficit in the national budget.

He appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to eradicate visa requirements for visitors from high GDP countries who are staying less than 30-90 days as this will promote tourism in the country.

He said: “Experience has shown that professional tourists hardly go to countries where visa is demanded. If you want tourists with dollars to visit Nigeria, you have to eliminate visa requirements followed by promotions of tourist attractions and then the development of tourist guides.

“Nigeria is endowed with both spiritual and physical attractions. How many Nigerians know that after Islam that came with Arab culture and Christianity that came with European culture, the third transnational belief or culture that is embraced by people of different nationals or races of the world is the Yoruba kind of practice which has some similarities to some Jewish culture and beliefs like the Kabala?

“You might witness the practice of Kabala during observance of Yom Kippur, which means “day of atonement.” In observing Yom Kippur, the practitioners abstain from eating and drinking and engage in day-long prayers for repentance.

“Some Christians incorporated Yoruba culture in their practice.
One example is the Santeria. Some called it Lucumi or La Regla de Ochá or La Regla de Ifá. Oritcha accessories are sold in many parts of the world. Yoruba kind of culture and practice is well cherished across the world. What Nigeria condemns, the world cherishes.”

 

Isaac Anyaogu