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The Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Ugochi Madueke, has revealed that the state’s targeted $30 billion dollar economy will be largely driven by Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from tourism.
Madueke made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen on Friday in Enugu.
It would be recalled that Gov. Peter Mbah administration projected to grow the state’s GDP seven-fold from approximately $4.4 billion in 2023 to $30 billion within four to eight years through agriculture, industrialisation and others.
The commissioner said that the state government was currently revamping four major tourist sites across Enugu State.
According to her, at Ngwo Pine Forest, construction is actively underway, including the zipline, runtndas (patrol/visitor stations), experience centre, and a guesthouse.
“Similarly, at Nsude Pyramid Park and Eco-Adventure, efforts are ongoing to build a 600-metre canopy walkway, revamp the pyramids, construct runtndas, experience centres, food courts, and implement automated gate access.
“The Awhum Waterfall and Cave, located near the Awhum Monastery, as well as the Cross Hope at Okpatu Hill, all in Udi, are also undergoing similar revitalisation,” Madueke said.
She added that construction was expected to begin soon at two more sites namely – Akwuke Sand Beach and Ovu Lake Resort in Akpawfu, Nkanu East Local Government Area.
Madueke noted that while the state initially targeted completion by April 2026, logistical challenges such as soil conditions and accessibility issues may cause slight delays.
She remained optimistic that all projects would be ready by mid-2026.
The commissioner emphasised that tourism was poised to become the primary source of IGR for Enugu State, predicting that at least 3 million tourists would visit the state annually.
“This, she said, would boost the economy, create employment, and stimulate local businesses.
“When you visit, you sell in dozens, not just one. Communities are the first beneficiaries of these developments as the state government sees tourism as the next oil for Enugu.
Madueke also highlighted opportunities for investors, noting that the state was well-equipped with infrastructure, including a newly acquired six-aircraft airline fleet, expected to expand to 20 by the end of the year.
“She encouraged investors to explore businesses in restaurants, hotels, bars, and apartments to benefit from the anticipated tourism boom.
“Enugu is on the map already. Tourism will drive employment, development, and awareness. We have everything it takes to turn this vision into reality,” she explained.
