Federal Government to Unlock Youth Empowerment Through Tourism and Creative Economy Initiatives

Minister Ayodele Olawande reveals FG's plan to boost youth employment through tourism and the creative arts. See the 2026 strategy for economic diversification.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 7, 2026, 5:51 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Guardian Nigeria

Strategic Diversification Toward the Creative Sector

The Federal Government of Nigeria is pivoting its youth empowerment strategy toward high-growth, non-oil sectors, specifically targeting tourism, entertainment, and the creative arts. Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande reaffirmed this commitment in Abuja, stating that the "creative economy" offers the most significant opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship for the country’s expanding youth demographic. By moving beyond traditional employment models, the government aims to foster an environment where young Nigerians can monetize their cultural assets and digital skills.

Collaboration Between Youth Development and NTDA

During a courtesy visit from the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Minister Olawande emphasized that the intersection of youth energy and tourism development is vital for national economic diversification. He noted that many young Nigerians are currently unaware of the massive economic value embedded in their local cultures and traditions. To bridge this gap, the Ministry plans to work closely with the NTDA to create structured pathways for youth involvement in hospitality, culinary tourism, and site management.

Institutional Partnerships: SMEDAN and NYSC

The empowerment initiative will not operate in isolation. The Minister revealed that the program would leverage existing institutional frameworks, including the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). By involving the NYSC, the government hopes to identify and train graduates in specialized tourism marketing and heritage preservation, while SMEDAN will provide the necessary entrepreneurial support and funding access for youth-led startups in the creative sector.