By Beryl Odele
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has lauded the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) and its partners for the initiative to compile a comprehensive national compendium documenting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and its economic and tourism potentials across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Minister commended the NPC and its partners for conceptualizing this timely and strategic national project aimed at showcasing Nigeria beyond negative narratives, when he received a delegation from the NPC led by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Dili Ezughah at Radio House, Abuja on Tuesday 12 May, 2026.
Speaking during the meeting, the Minister said the project is important because “it highlights the enormous economic and tourism potentials of our country at a time when some people focus only on negative narratives about Nigeria.”
Idris noted that the initiative aligns strongly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially the administration’s on-going efforts to diversify the economy through tourism, culture, investment promotions, and the expansion of the non-oil sector.
The Honourable Minister stated that, “we are not just known for oil; we are known for our rich culture, our tourism assets and the immense opportunities spread across the country.”
He also praised the collaboration between the NPC, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy and other stakeholders involved in the project.
Idris described it as a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to partnership-driven national development.
The Minister said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is opening up the economic base of Nigeria beyond oil, and that the increasing international interest in our non-oil sector is a clear indication that the Renewed Hope Agenda is yielding positive results.
He assured the visiting delegation of the full support of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation towards the successful hosting of the launch event.
According to him, his Ministry is fully ready to support this national project because it will help reposition Nigeria positively before the global community.
Idris expressed his appreciation to the Vice President, Kashim Shettima for giving the project national visibility and institutional backing as well as for his personal interest in ensuring that the initiative succeeds as a truly national undertaking.
Executive Secretary, NPC, Dr. Dili Ezughah informed the Minister during the meeting that the project was inspired by the need to synergize efforts across government institutions to project Nigeria positively.
Dr. Ezughah also said substantial progress has been made on the project and that he and his team are now at the final stage ahead of the official launch of the Compendium.
Mr. Tajudeen Toyin-Oke, Lead Consultant for the project, disclosed that the Compendium captures the economic and tourism profiles of all the 36 states and the FCT including investment opportunities, tax incentives, mineral resources and tourism assets for both local and international investors.
Mr. Toyin-Oke added that the Compendium is designed to become a global reference document for anyone seeking credible information about Nigeria.
The Director General, NTDA, Dr. Ola Awakan, described the initiative as a major step towards promoting Nigeria’s rich tourism and cultural heritage to the international community and that it aligns perfectly with the mandate of the NTDA and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
The Honourable Minister was informed at the meeting that President Tinubu is expected to write the foreword to the publication while Vice President Kashim Shettima will write the preface. The launch of the Compendium is expected to attract governors, members of the diplomatic corps, investors, development partners and key stakeholders from across the country and beyond.
Abuja Times reports that the publication will be officially launched on June 17, 2026 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.