The Lagos State Government has said practitioners in the hospitality, tourism and entertainment establishments will get 50 per cent rebate for licensing and renewal fees across the state.
According to the state Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Uzamat AkinbiIe-Yusuf, this is in addition to the N1 billion seed capital loan approved by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
AkinbiIe-Yusuf, in a statement on Wednesday, said the measures would drive the growth of hospitality, tourism and entertainment businesses in Lagos despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Others are the establishment of a platform to commence working relationship with the Central Bank of Nigeria for access to COVID-19 tourism sector fund; a Creative Financial Initiative Fund to be made available to practitioners in the state; establishment of Tourism Endowment Fund in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice; training for practitioners in the creative industry through the Lagos Creative Academy, among others,” she added.
While appreciating the state governor for increasing the number of social gatherings to maximum of 50 persons, the commissioner noted that night clubs and beaches remain closed until further directive from the governor.
The Chairperson of the Lagos State COVID-19 Pandemic Review Committee, Mrs Joke Silva, appealed to practitioners that the N1bn loan should be made available to the most vulnerable practitioners for their survival. (Punch)
