Firm Stresses Need For Investing In Skills Development

A firm, Diageo Nigeria, has underscored the importance of investing in skills development as part of broader efforts to support the growth of Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industries.

Speaking in Lagos, yesterday at a launching event, the commercial director for West and Central Africa, Diageo, Ujunwa Chukwumaha, explained that building local capacity and equipping young Nigerians with industry-relevant skills remained critical to improving service standards, boosting employment opportunities and positioning the country as a competitive destination for tourism and hospitality investment.

She noted that the hospitality and tourism sectors have significant potential to contribute to national economic growth, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings when supported by the right talent and infrastructure.

Diageo Nigeria recently announced the unveiling of the 2026 edition of the World Class Bartending Competition, designed to spotlight Nigerian bartenders, raise cocktail craftsmanship to international standards, and project the nation’s cultural identity within the global creative economy.

Chukwumah described the initiative as a milestone in Nigeria’s hospitality evolution, noting that the sector is increasingly aligning with global benchmarks, adding that the programme underscores sustained investment in skills, partnerships, and platforms capable of unlocking the industry’s potential.