Vice President Shettima says the Tinubu administration is ready for partnership to boost tourism, jobs, and community development
The Federal Government has announced fresh plans to harness the economic and developmental opportunities hidden within Nigeria’s geo-heritage sites, with Vice President Kashim Shettima stressing that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully committed to working with stakeholders at all levels to achieve this goal.
Shettima made the declaration in Abuja on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) Nigeria National Committee, led by its chairman, Dr. Aminu Abdullahi Isyaku. He assured the team that the government’s “doors are open for collaboration,” particularly with subnational governments, to ensure the nation reaps maximum benefits from its natural endowments.
“It is better late than never to explore the economic and developmental benefits of geo-heritage sites for the betterment of the nation,” Shettima said, noting that the Tinubu administration is deliberately repositioning Nigeria across all sectors, from the economy and culture to sports, agriculture, education, and diplomacy.
According to a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Shettima emphasized that geo-heritage development has the capacity to transform local economies through job creation, sustainable tourism, peacebuilding in host communities, and access to international research funding.
He urged the IGGP Nigeria Committee to widen its reach across all geo-political zones of the country to identify and unlock the full value of Nigeria’s rich geological sites. “This country is blessed, hence, all hands must be on deck to make it work. I urge you to come on board, let us work as a team to reposition this country,” he declared.
The Vice President’s call signals a renewed push by the federal government to leverage Nigeria’s natural heritage as a driver of sustainable economic growth, positioning the nation as a global player in geo-tourism and scientific research.
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