AfriPulse
Commandant Dr. Olusola Odumosu
The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, has called on tourism industry stakeholders to prioritise security as a vital strategy for unlocking the sector’s full potential.
Odumosu made the call in a statement signed by DSC Monica Ojobi, acting Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, to commemorate this year’s World Tourism Day with the theme “Tourism and Peace – Building Through Cultural Diplomacy” held in Abuja.
He said adequate security remains the backbone of tourism development, noting that many sites across Nigeria remain underutilised because visitors often fear for their safety.
“We believe that there is no tourism without security. One of the reasons why the industry is not fully utilised is the lack of security to guarantee the safety of those visiting such sites. People will have more confidence to visit the facilities if their safety is guaranteed,” Odumosu stated.
The Commandant explained that as the agency responsible for protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, the NSCDC also has a duty to safeguard tourism destinations, which he described as vital cultural and economic assets.
He added that investing in security would not only attract more visitors but also encourage both local and foreign investors to channel resources into the sector.
“We are disposed to partnering with the industry by providing the needed security for its sites across the city center. We have a duty to work together to ensure that Abuja is safe for all tourists and tourism destinations in the city,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Odumosu urged tourism operators to actively project Nigeria’s rich heritage and natural beauty to the world, while simultaneously supporting security measures that would build trust and confidence among tourists.
He listed some of Nigeria’s notable attractions, such as Obudu Cattle Ranch Resort, Kwa Falls, Yankari National Park, and Zuma Rock—as sites that, if properly packaged and promoted, could significantly boost national revenue and bridge cultural divides.
The FCT NSCDC boss also dismissed the notion that Nigeria’s security challenges are unique, stressing that no country in the world is completely free from insecurity.
“It is about everyone playing their role to tell the world that it is not as bad as it is being portrayed. Tourism has a lot of potential capable of bridging the gap in our culture, promoting our values, and countering misinformation about our country,” he added.
Odumosu assured that the NSCDC, in collaboration with other security agencies, is actively combing dark spots in the FCT to root out criminal hideouts, secure critical infrastructure, and protect lives and property.
World Tourism Day is an annual event established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and was celebrated in Abuja this year by the International Society of Diplomats in Nigeria.
Source: TheWhistler | Read the Full Story…
