Nigeria Launches 100-Day Tourism Season as Government Seeks to Turn Festive Boom Into Economic Opportunity

Nigeria is officially launching a new 100-day national tourism season aimed at showcasing the country’s culture, entertainment, food, festivals, hospitality and creative economy to Nigerians, members of the diaspora and international visitors. Known as “Ember to Remember 2026,” the initiative is being coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy in partnership with MyCityApp. The programme runs from September through December and is designed to bring Nigeria’s traditionally busy festive season under one coordinated national tourism calendar. The Federal Government says the initiative is about more than concerts and end-of-year celebrations. According to Tourism Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa, Nigeria already has festivals, food, music, fashion, heritage sites and entertainment capable of attracting visitors throughout the year. The challenge, she said, has been bringing these experiences together and promoting them as one national tourism story. The government hopes the 100-day season will connect tourism, entertainment, hospitality, transportation, commerce and the creative industry, creating more economic opportunities around visitors and events. MyCityApp is expected to provide a central platform where Nigerians and international visitors can discover events, destinations, cultural experiences and activities taking place across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This could make it easier for tourists to plan trips around Nigeria’s festivals, concerts, cultural celebrations and other experiences instead of relying on scattered information. Nigeria’s December period already attracts large numbers of visitors, particularly Nigerians in the diaspora returning home for the festive season. The Federal Government now wants to extend that economic activity beyond December by creating a longer period during which hotels, restaurants, transport companies, event organisers, entertainers, artisans and other businesses can benefit from increased tourism activity. The government has also spoken of the wider economic opportunity presented by Nigeria’s tourism and creative sectors. The national flag-off is scheduled for September 14, 2026, with the organisers describing the initiative as a 100-day celebration designed to put Nigeria’s cultural and tourism offerings in the spotlight. From Lagos nightlife and cultural festivals to food, fashion, music, heritage and destinations across the country, the initiative is expected to bring together different sides of Nigeria under one national tourism campaign. For the Federal Government, the goal is clear: turn Nigeria’s festive-season energy into a structured tourism economy that can create jobs, attract visitors and generate more business for local communities. Nigeria is getting ready for 100 days of culture, entertainment, travel and experiences and the government wants the world to pay attention.