A statement signed by the Head of Strategic Communications Lai Mohammed Media Office, Nnamdi Atupulazi, said the approval was granted at the 126th Session of the UN Tourism Executive Council held in Toledo, Spain, on June 11, 2026, following the ETF’s application submitted on November 17, 2025.
The Certificate of Membership was presented to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Eko Tourism Foundation, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, by the Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Shaikha Al Nuwais, during the Executive Council meeting.
According to the statement, the certificate stated that the membership was awarded in recognition of the Foundation’s commitment to the values, aims, principles and policies of UN Tourism, the United Nations specialised agency responsible for sustainable and universally accessible tourism.
Welcoming the development, Alhaji Mohammed, former Minister of Information and Culture and Chairman of ETF’s Governing Council, described the admission as an international endorsement of the Foundation’s vision.
“This affiliation is a strong vote of confidence in the EkoTourism Foundation and its commitment to advancing tourism development in Lagos, Nigeria and Africa,” the statement quoted Mohammed as saying.
He added, “It gives us a credible global platform to engage with tourism stakeholders across the world, exchange ideas, build partnerships and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of sustainable tourism.”
The statement explained that as an Affiliate Member, the ETF joins a global network of more than 500 tourism stakeholders, including tourism boards, private sector organisations, educational institutions, destinations and industry associations.
The membership provides access to international best practices, policy discussions, research, capacity-building opportunities and collaborative initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
Affiliate Membership of UN Tourism is a globally recognised status that offers institutional credibility, enhanced visibility and access to one of the world’s most influential tourism networks.
The Eko Tourism Foundation, unveiled in 2025, is a non-profit organisation established to drive tourism development, advocacy, investment promotion, research, capacity building and destination marketing for Lagos and Nigeria.
Its vision is to make tourism a sustainable alternative to Nigeria’s oil-driven economy through infrastructure development, technology, partnerships and advocacy, while its mission is to “bring the world to Lagos” through promotion of the state’s history, landmarks, culture, arts, music, film, fashion and cuisine, it said.
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