Sterling Bank has convened government officials, investors, cultural institutions, and tourism operators in Lagos as part of efforts to stimulate long-term investment and expansion within Nigeria’s tourism and creative sectors.
The bank said the engagement aims to position tourism as a major pillar of economic diversification and employment generation.
Participants at the high-level meeting explored ways to transform global interest in Nigerian culture, entertainment, and destinations into consistent year-round economic value rather than seasonal spikes in demand.
Sterling Bank Managing Director Abubakar Suleiman said tourism and creative industries present strong opportunities for foreign-exchange earnings and inclusive growth, but stressed that unlocking their full potential will require coordinated action across public policy, financing, infrastructure, and talent development.
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborative growth strategies, noting that innovative financing, stronger value chains, and structured partnerships are essential to attract long-term investment.
Presidential adviser on tourism Moriam Ajaga emphasised the need for policy consistency and improved access to finance to convert reforms into measurable economic results.
Traditional ruler Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal also urged stronger collaboration between cultural custodians, investors, and government authorities, stressing that heritage preservation must accompany commercial development.
Sterling Bank highlighted its partnership with entertainment entrepreneur D’banj through the C.R.E.A.M. platform as an example of how structured financing can strengthen creative-industry monetisation and financial inclusion.
The bank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting sectors capable of delivering strong employment and multiplier effects across the Nigerian economy.
