The federal government has endorsed the national compendium on economic and tourism potentials in Nigeria of the Nigeria Press Council.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, receiving a delegation of the Nigeria Press Council, NPC, led by the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Dr. Dili Ezughah, on a courtesy visit, pledged the support of the Federal Government for the Nigeria Press Council's national compendium on economic and tourism potentials across Nigeria.

Vice President Shettima described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a friend of the media, who is a firm believer of independence of the press.

This, he said, explains why the Tinubu administration has, in the past three years, continued to promote an environment that is conducive for journalists to carry out their duties without harassment.

Shettima reiterated that President Tinubu has remained a friend of the media.

The Vice President recalled that the President used his personal resources to assist media organizations.

Pledging presidential support for the Council’s bid to get official national endorsement of the publication it is currently working on, VP Shettima also promised to appeal to governors of the 36 states of the federation to key into the project.

The VP further noted that the national compendium titled, “Nigeria: Documenting the Economic and Tourism Profiles of the 36 States and the FCT,” is a welcome development, expressing hope that the publication would sell Nigeria to the world.

The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, thanked the Vice President for his continued leadership and support for initiatives that strengthen Nigeria's economic and cultural positioning.

According to her, the publication is, particularly, significant for the tourism and creative economy sectors, as Nigeria's tourism assets, cultural heritage, and creative industries represent major drivers of economic diversification.

Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Mohammed Auwal Jatau, on behalf of the state Governor, Bala Mohammed, expressed gratitude to the country's leadership, noting that if the document is approved, every state is likely to benefit based on its respective tourism potential.

The Executive Secretary of the NPC, Dr. Ezughah, expressed gratitude to the Vice President for granting an audience to the NPC Planning Committee, while acknowledging his consistent support for sub-national economic development and national coordination.

He explained that the national compendium being developed spotlights Nigeria’s economic and tourism profiles and requires the Vice President’s strategic direction on the document.