The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa has inaugurated the Planning Committee for the much-anticipated Tourism and Hospitality Summit 2025, with a charge to organise a summit that is geared at uplifting development and promotion of the tourism sector.
The summit, which is scheduled to hold between November 24 and 25, 2025 in Abuja, is being organised by the Ministry in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG). It is set to be a landmark event aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a globally competitive tourism and hospitality destination.
In her address during a brief ceremony held at the Minister’s Conference Room, Federal Secretariat Phase II, Abuja, Musawa emphasized the strategic importance of the sector, noting that tourism is a vital driver of economic growth, job creation, cultural exchange, and foreign exchange earnings. “When effectively harnessed,” she stated, “the tourism and hospitality industry can significantly diversify our economy and contribute meaningfully to our national GDP,” she said.
The Minister highlighted that the committee is composed of seasoned stakeholders drawn from both public and private sectors, including policy experts, investors, operators, and development partners. This, she said, reflects the Ministry’s commitment to inclusive, multi sectoral collaboration in shaping the future of tourism in Nigeria.
She outlined the Committee’s Terms of Reference, which include: Strategic planning and coordination of summit activities; Theme and content development aligned with national and global priorities; Stakeholder engagement across government, private sector, academia, and civil society; Programmes structuring, including keynote sessions, panels, and exhibitions; Resource mobilization through sponsorships and partnerships; Publicity and media strategy for national and international visibility; and Post-summit documentation and implementation roadmap
Musawa further noted, “You have been carefully selected for your expertise, dedication, and passion for the growth of our sector,” the Minister charged the committee. “Approach this task with innovation and a sense of national duty. The Ministry, in partnership with NESG, will fully support your work.”
She appreciated NESG for its steadfast partnership in national development and officially inaugurated the committee.
In response, the newly elected President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, (FTAN), Dr Badaki Aliyu commended the Ministry for the summit initiative and the inclusive composition of the Committee, which spans federal, state, local government, and private sector representation. He pledged the full support of the organized private sector to ensure a successful summit.
Also speaking, Mrs Dorathy Duruaku, Director of International Tourism Department, assured the Minister of the Committee’s dedication to delivering a memorable and impactful event.
A representative of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group reiterated the organisation’s commitment to the summit’s success, pledging continued collaboration with the Ministry and other stakeholders.
Celebration of FTAN new Executive Council
The ceremony concluded with a celebratory cake cutting marking not only the inauguration but also celebrating the recent successful FTAN Annual General Meeting and election, which ushered in a new Executive Council led Aliyu as President.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad congratulated the newly elected President and Executive Council, assuring the team of the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with the private sector to build a vibrant and resilient tourism industry.
