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The Tourism Sector in Nigeria

by Fred Nwaozor The tourism sector in Nigeria is a largely untapped yet highly promising component of the national economy. With her vast landmass, rich cultural diversity, and varied ecosystems, Nigeria possesses the natural and human resources required to build a thriving tourism industry. Tourism, if properly harnessed, can serve as a major source of revenue, employment, and international goodwill for the country. Nigeria’s cultural diversity is one of its greatest tourism assets. With over 250 ethnic groups, each with distinct languages, traditions, festivals, and cuisines, the country offers a wide range of cultural experiences. Traditional festivals such as the Argungu Fishing Festival, Osun-Osogbo Festival, Durbar Festival, and New Yam festivals attract both local and international visitors. The country is also blessed with numerous natural attractions that have strong tourism potential. These include scenic landscapes such as the Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross River ...

Lawmakers reduce Eligibility Age for Senate, Guber Positions to 30

Ken Akpan
A constitutional amendment bill seeking to reduce the minimum age for contesting the offices of Governor and Senator from 35 to 30 years has passed second reading in the Nigeria's House of Representatives, on November 18, 2025.

The proposal, titled A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Reduce the Age for Qualification for Membership of the Senate and Office of the Governor and for Related Matters (HB. 2235), is sponsored by Esin Martin Etim alongside 24 other lawmakers.

Nigeria’s current constitution stipulates that candidates for the Senate and governorship must be at least 35 years old, while those vying for the House of Representatives can contest from age 25.

Etim, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker, representing Mbo/Okobo/Oron/Udung Uko/Urue Offong/Oruko Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, argued that the existing age requirement limits the political advancement of young legislators.

He noted that lawmakers who join the House at age 25 and serve two full terms would still be ineligible to run for Senate or governor at the end of eight years.

He said reducing the minimum age to 30 would create a more realistic pathway for younger politicians, maintaining a five-year gap between eligibility for the House of Representatives and the higher offices.

After the lead debate, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas put the bill to a voice vote, where it received overwhelming support for second reading.

The legislation has been forwarded to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further consideration.

RostrumNews