Abuja, Jan. 29, 2019 (NAN) Mr Paulinus Okon, President, Association of Professional Chefs, Nigeria (APCN), has called on the Federal Government to pay more attention to culinary tourism to maximise the nation’s tourism potential.
Okon, who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos, said that it was time for the federal government to appreciate the significance of culinary tourism to economic development.
He said: « The government must be willing and ready to support and sponsor most of the programmes that tend to promote and project African cuisines.
« Government must attach more relevance to African and Nigerian cuisines to enable Nigerian chefs to learn more about other nations’ cuisines, which will rub off on our tourism industry overtime.
« It is heart breaking to know that Nigerian chefs, who find joy in preparing and showcasing our locally made dishes, earn less than their counterparts, who prepare continental dishes.
« Most of the five-star hotels in Nigeria pay professional chefs who cook continental dishes like the Chinese food more than those that cook our local dishes.
« I am not saying a chef should not be diverse, but we should first learn to promote and appreciate and see that there are better opportunities in embracing what is ours, » Okon said.
He further appealed to governments at different levels to create the enabling environment for businesses to strive.
He said that devoting more time and energies to food tourism in Nigeria, particularly the local dishes would further boost the nation’s economy.
Okon advised the government to review the policies guiding the registration of chefs in view of the inherent bottlenecks they suffered.
« Registering to be a professional chef in Nigeria is cumbersome and expensive, that alone will put off the idea for most people with the desire of becoming one.
« Making the process easier and less cumbersome will create opportunities and improve domestic tourism.
« Other African countries like Ghana and Gambia, for instance, get the full support of their government.
« Unfortunately, Nigeria, which is the acclaimed giant of Africa, continues to watch them take leading position in culinary tourism. »
According to him, the aim of APCN is to create a platform that will fly the Nigerian flag when it comes to promoting our cultural values through our local dishes.
« We are yet to meet up with other African countries that have started to explore and enjoy the economic benefits arising from food tourism, » Okon said.
