The World Agritourism Organisation (WAO) Nigeria has called for the establishment of a United Nations Agritourism Organisation to regulate and coordinate agritourism activities globally.
The call was made at the 2nd Agritourism Congress held in Abuja, where Nigeria also unveiled its policy framework and guidelines for operating agritourism in the country.
In his welcome address, the President of WAO, Ambassador Trust Ogboi, said that creating a United Nations Agritourism Organisation as a global regulatory body would help in the development of agritourism infrastructure and policy direction worldwide.
“Agritourism is being practised today in different countries across various continents, but there is no global regulatory body. That’s why we are recommending and advocating for the United Nations World Agritourism Organisation as a global body to provide coordination,” he said.
Ogboi noted that such an institution would support global infrastructure development, enhance digital economy stability, promote rural–urban integration, and create new employment opportunities while advancing tourism, leisure, and cultural exchange.
He further explained that agritourism combines agriculture and tourism to drive economic growth.
“It’s a new global concept that supports economic recovery. Agritourism will create value chains in innovation, logistics, import and export, science and technology, education, and security,” he added.
According to him, agritourism can reduce rural–urban migration by transforming rural areas into vibrant economic hubs that generate jobs and foster community development.
Ogboi also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for recognising the sector’s potential and supporting its growth in Nigeria.
In his keynote address, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, represented by Mr Okokon Etoabasi, described the unveiling of Nigeria’s agritourism framework as a strategic move towards economic growth, sustainable job creation, and infrastructural advancement.
“This milestone should not be seen as a mere ceremonial occasion because it marks a defining moment in our national drive towards agricultural transformation, economic diversification, and job creation,” he said.
He added that the framework aims to strengthen food security, stimulate industrialisation, promote rural development, and position Nigeria as a global agricultural hub.
“The unveiling of this framework represents a strategic step towards creating sustainable job opportunities, improving productivity, and enhancing infrastructure,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing agritourism as both an economic driver and a pillar of sustainable growth that would attract investment and enhance Nigeria’s global standing.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, represented by the Director of Agribusiness, Mr Iwara Bassey, said that successful implementation of agritourism in Nigeria would require careful planning, local content development, and the effective use of opportunities within the agricultural sector.
He noted that agritourism provides agricultural producers with new income streams and enables them to directly market their produce to consumers.
According to him, the Ministry remains committed to advancing the initiative and will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure successful implementation.
The congress was attended by representatives from the Ministries of Labour and Productivity, Aviation, Culture and Tourism, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Turkish Embassy, among others.
