Andrew Iro Okungbowa
At the opening ceremony of the seventh edition of the Nigeria Tourism Investment Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) 2024, the President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr Nkereuwem Onung, noted that the expo is a critical platform for growing Nigerian tourism and the country’s economy.
The yearly expo, which opened at the Exhibition Pavilion in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has as a theme; Sustainable Funding and Investments: Renewed Hope Agenda for Tourism.
The two days event, spanning November 21 and 22, 2024, is being attended by tourism operators, government officials, aligned stakeholders from other sectors of the economy, policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs committed to redefining the future of Nigerian tourism.
Onung welcomed attendees with a message of hope, purpose, and collective action as he highlighted NTIFE’s pivotal role as a platform to elevate the tourism sector, describing it as a critical driver of economic growth, cultural heritage preservation, and social development in Nigeria.
According to him, “This annual gathering has become a cornerstone of our collective efforts to elevate the Nigerian tourism sector to its rightful place,’’ stressing the timely nature of the theme, which he said is focused on attracting funding and sustaining the sector at this critical time of the nation’s development.
Tourism: A sector of untapped potential
Onung disclosed the immense potential of Nigeria’s tourism sector, describing it as a unique industry that intersects with multiple sectors, creates employment, fosters cultural exchange, and contributes significantly to GDP. However, he acknowledged the sector’s challenges, including insufficient funding and underutilization.
“Today, we embark on a renewed journey of hope, commitment, and collaboration to change this narrative,” he declared, urging stakeholders to embrace the opportunities within the sector.
Commendation for federal government
The FTAN President commended the federal government of Nigeria, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for its unwavering support for tourism development. He noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda has prioritised tourism as a tool for economic diversification, especially through strategic leadership appointments and policy reforms.
Saying, “This is displayed in the recent reshuffling of his cabinet and the appointment of new hands to lead the tourism sector to a new height.”
Capacity building for tourism officers
Onung revealed the introduction of capacity building programmes for state and local government tourism officers. This initiative, the first of its kind at NTIFE, he said is aimed equipping officers with the skills needed to implement tourism policies and programmes effectively.
“For the first time, we are integrating capacity building into this forum,” he said, adding that states like Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have already enrolled, with others expressing interest. This move aligns with FTAN’s vision of building a professional, efficient, and innovative tourism workforce across Nigeria.
Showcasing Nigeria’s tourism opportunities
The exhibition segment of NTIFE 2024 unveils Nigeria’s vast and diverse tourism offerings. Onung extended a warm invitation to investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to explore the wealth of untapped potential on display.
“Dear Investors, you will find a wealth of potential in our country’s untapped tourism assets. Dear entrepreneurs, this is your opportunity to forge partnerships and bring your visions to life,” he said.
He also urged policymakers to leverage the forum as a call to action, emphasizing governance’s role in creating an enabling environment for tourism to thrive.
Call for collective action
Onung also gave a rallying call for unity, innovation, and determination among stakeholders. He urged participants to embrace this year’s theme as a call to action rather than a mere slogan, ensuring tourism becomes a cornerstone of Nigeria’s sustainable development agenda.
“Let us approach the panel discussions, exhibitions, and trainings with open minds, innovative ideas, and a shared commitment,” he urged.
