Olusola Odumosu, the commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, FCT command, has called on stakeholders in the tourism sector to make security a top priority in order to promote investment in the industry.
Mr Odumosu made the call in a message to commemorate World Tourism Day, celebrated every year on September 27.
He said that improved safety at tourism sites would encourage both local and international visitors, ultimately boosting economic activity.
The commandant stressed that tourism destinations fall under the purview of the NSCDC, as they are categorised as critical national assets due to their cultural and economic significance.
“People will have more confidence to visit tourist facilities if their safety is guaranteed.
“We believe that there is no tourism without security as we are disposed to partnering with the industry by providing the needed security for its sites across the FCT.
“We have a duty to work together to ensure that Abuja is safe for all tourists and tourism destinations in the city,” he said.
The commandant further urged tourism stakeholders to project the sector to the world through promoting their activities and investing in security, adding that this would boost tourists’ confidence to explore Nigeria’s beautiful sceneries and cultures.
“Tourism has a lot of potential capable of bridging the gap in our culture if properly harnessed, it is capable of promoting our values and culture, thereby countering all forms of misinformation about the security situation of our country.
“There is no country in the world that can boldly say that they do not have their own share of insecurity; it’s all about everyone playing their own role to tell the world that it is not as bad as it is being portrayed,” he said.
Mr Odumosu reiterated that the corps, in partnership with sister agencies, will continue to conduct routine surveillance in the FCT to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
“Security agencies are on top of their game and are open to partnering with the tourism sector to enhance security and growth,” the commandant assured.
(NAN)