New Campaign to Boost Nigeria's Tourism from September to December

The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy has launched "Ember to Remember 2026." This is a 100-day national tourism season aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s cultural and tourism attractions from September to December.

The announcement was made on Monday in Abuja by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa.

Musawa said the formal launch of the campaign will take place at the Ember to Remember National Stakeholders Conference on September 14 at Eko Hotel, Lagos.

At a press conference held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, the minister explained that the initiative is designed to promote Nigeria as a top tourist destination.

She pointed out that while December is a popular time for homecoming and tourism in Nigeria, there are cultural festivals, food, music, fashion, heritage and hospitality events happening all year round.

"What has been missing is a deliberate structure that brings these experiences together, gives them visibility, and allows us to market them as one powerful national story. That is what Ember to Remember seeks to achieve," she said.

The Tourism Minister described Ember to Remember as a well-coordinated tourism season from September to December. It aims to connect culture, tourism, entertainment, hospitality, transportation, commerce and the creative economy.

"It is about moving beyond simply having events to deliberately building an economy around those experiences," she added.

"Today is the announcement. 14th September is the flag-off. One country. One calendar. One unforgettable season."

Ifeoma Mbonu, Chief Executive Officer of MyCityApp, also spoke at the event. She mentioned that the platform will support the National Digital Events and Experiences Calendar for the initiative.

This calendar will help Nigerians, diaspora members and international visitors find events and experiences across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

"MyCityApp is a digital city and tourism platform connecting people to Nigeria’s events, destinations, hospitality, culture and experiences," Mbonu said.

"Our vision is simple: wherever you are, when you ask ‘What is happening in Nigeria from September to December?’ there should be one place to find the answer."

She encouraged event organisers nationwide to upload their events to the platform through the Ember2Remember section.

Mbonu noted that the initiative could also bring economic benefits to businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

"Every visitor who attends an event contributes to airlines, hotels, transport, restaurants, tourism, retail and local businesses. By connecting to these experiences, we can attract more visitors, support businesses, create jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s tourism economy," she said.

The initiative aims to unite government agencies, state tourism authorities, private-sector operators, financial institutions, airlines, hospitality businesses, event producers, creatives, technology companies and the media.

The National Stakeholders Conference on September 14 will mark the official launch of the program and the unveiling of its national calendar.