has unanimously nominated Alhaji Aminu Agoha as the Acting Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), of the apex tourism body for private sector operators.

Alhaji  Agoha was nominated at the Federation recent Governing Council Meeting held in Abuja.

The position of the BoT Chairman was previously held by Alhaji Munzali Dantata, Managing Director of All States Travels and Tours, who has completed his constitutionally mandated eight-year membership tenure the Board.

Agoha is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Vista Travels, based in Kano.

A seasoned industry professional, he previously served as President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) for four years and currently holds the position of Chairman of its Board of Trustees.

In his acceptance speech, Agoha expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and pledged his full support to the Federation and FTAN President, particularly in advancing the Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM).

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The commitment followed a recent tour of the State by FTAN, which was led by its National President Dr Aliyu Ajayi Badaki.

The official visit to Katsina State was at the behest of the State Governor, Mallam Umar Radda Dikko, who extended special invitation to FTAN’s President and his team, to witness the recent historic celebrations of Hauwan Bariki and Sallah Durbar across Katsina and Daura Emirate Councils.

Badaki was accompanied on the visit by the First Deputy President of FTAN, Mrs Susan Akporiaye; Vice President, North West, Alhaji El-Kabir Danfulani; Executive Director of Katsina State History and Cultural Bureau, Dr Kabir Masanawa; alongside over 16 Tourism Ambassadors, who graced the festival.

The visit also formed part of the ongoing efforts by FTAN to strengthen tourism development and cultural promotion in the state.

It provided an opportunity for FTAN President and his team to undertake on-the-spot assessments of key projects and tourism sites within the state capital, with a view to identifying areas where the private sector can support marketing, promotion, and investment.

During the engagement, Badaki presented strategic proposals to the Governor, highlighting practical avenues for collaboration between the State government and private sector stakeholders in harnessing and promoting Katsina’s rich cultural tourism assets.

At the conclusion of the visit, Radda requested an official re-presentation of the Tourism Icon Award 2025 conferred on him at the Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) held in Abuja last year, underscoring his administration’s commitment to advancing tourism development in Katsina State.

NTIFE is a flagship travel and tourism trade conference and expo event held annually by FTAN in Abuja.

It is designed to showcase and promote Nigerian tourism across board and attract both private and public sectors investors to the sector.

Plans for this year’s edition, which is scheduled to hold in July, alongside its Annual General Meeting (AGM), is already in top gear.

The conference and expo event will assume a new format and dimension in terms of its organisation and appeal this year.

About FTAN

FTAN is the umbrella body of tourism operators in the private sector, with over 25 registered Member-Associations, including corporate and associate members.

It aimed among others at working with the public sector, at all levels of government, to develop, market and promote Nigerian cultural tourism through national and international channels.

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FTAN pledges strategic partnership with Kastina to harness, develop, promote tourism assets

A new dawn is in the offing for Kastina State as the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has committed to a strategic partnership with the State Government aimed at identifying, harnessing, development and promoting the cultural tourism assets of the State through Private – Public Partnership model.

This commitment followed a tour of the State by FTAN, which was led by its National President Dr. Aliyu Ajayi Badaki. He was accompanied on the visit by the First Deputy President of FTAN, Mrs Susan Akporiaye; Vice President, North West, Alhaji El-Kabir Danfulani; Executive Director of the Katsina State History and Cultural Bureau, Dr Kabir Masanawa; alongside over 16 Tourism Ambassadors, who graced the festival.

FTAN is the umbrella body of tourism operators in the private sector, with over 25 registered member-associations, including corporate and associate members. It aimed among others, working with the public sector, at all levels of government, to development, market and promote Nigerian cultural tourism through national and international channels.

The official visit to Katsina State was at the behest of the State Governor, Mallam Umar Radda Dikko (CON, Ph.D.), who extended special invitation to FTAN’s President, to witness the recent historic celebrations of Hauwan Bariki and Sallah Durbar across Katsina and Daura Emirate Councils.

The visit also formed part of the ongoing efforts by FTAN to strengthen tourism development and cultural promotion in the state. It provided an opportunity for the FTAN President and his team to undertake on-the-spot assessments of key projects and tourism sites within the state capital, with a view to identifying areas where the private sector can support marketing, promotion, and investment.

During the engagement, FTAN President presented strategic proposals to the Governor, highlighting practical avenues for collaboration between the State government and private sector stakeholders in harnessing and promoting Katsina’s rich cultural tourism assets.

At the conclusion of the visit, Radda requested an official re-presentation of the Tourism Icon award conferred on him at the Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) held in Abuja last year, underscoring his administration’s commitment to advancing tourism development in Katsina State.

NTIFE is a flagship travel and tourism trade conference and expo event held annually by FTAN in Abuja. It is designed to expose and promote Nigerian tourism across board and attract both private and public sectors investors to the sector.

Plans for this year’s edition, which is scheduled to hold in July, alongside its Annual General Meeting (AGM), is already in top gear. The conference and expo event will assume a new format and dimension in terms of its organsition and appeal this year.

……………………………………………………………………………………..

The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) President paid an official visit to Katsina State at the special invitation of the Executive Governor, Mallam Umar Radda Dikko, CON, Ph.D., to witness the historic Hauwan Bariki and Sallah Durbar celebrations across the Katsina and Daura Emirate Councils.

The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen tourism development and cultural promotion in the state. It provided an opportunity for the FTAN President to undertake on-the-spot assessments of key projects and tourism sites within the state capital, with a view to identifying areas where the private sector can support marketing, promotion, and investment.

During the engagement, the FTAN President presented strategic proposals to the Governor, highlighting practical avenues for collaboration between the state government and private sector stakeholders in harnessing and promoting Katsina State’s rich tourism assets.

The delegation included the 1st Deputy President of FTAN, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye; Vice President, North West, Alhaji El-Kabir Danfulani; Executive Director of the Katsina State History and Cultural Bureau, Dr. Kabir Masanawa; as well as over 16 Tourism Ambassadors who graced the festival.

At the conclusion of the visit, Governor Radda requested an official re-presentation of the “Tourism Icon” award conferred on him at the Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition held in Abuja last year, underscoring his administration’s commitment to advancing tourism development in Katsina State.

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to suspend all activities of the National Technical/Mirror Committee (TC/MC), especially requesting nominations of its members into its Sub-Committees.

Instead, it urged that SON should take urgent and appropriate actions to return to TC/MC on Tourism Related Services to the path sanctity, and respect for the rule of law by carrying along all the stakeholders in its activities to avoid sending the wrong signals to the international community and incurring its wrath.

In the letter signed by its President, Dr Aliyu Ajayi Badaki, FTAN expressed concerns and disappointment regarding the recent circular issued by the National Technical/Mirror Committee (TC/MC) requesting nominations into Sub-Committees.

In the letter titled: Re: Premature call for nominations into the TC/MC on Tourism  and Related Services – A Breach of Trust and Procedural Lapses, FTAN urged the DG of SON to suspend all activities regarding these nominations.

FTAN directed all its member associations to suspend any participation or submission of nominations to the TC/MC committees as requested.

FTAN in the letter stated that the Federation will not be part of this committee until: ‘‘The promised follow-up meeting is held; and the leadership of the TC/MC is dissolved and re-constituted to ensure it aligns with the right process and industry-wide confidence.

‘‘And until a member who has made immense contribution and is ready to selflessly volunteer to Standards, in line with the provision of PPDNNS, 5.7.1.1c, is considered to head the committee.’’

The Federation further noted; ‘‘while FTAN does not seek to dictate the internal affairs of SON, “we have a duty, as critical stakeholder, to ensure that the process governing our industry is led by individuals with proven commitment and zero conflict of interest.

‘‘Following formal protests by FTAN, a meeting was held with SON that  ended inconclusively, with a clear promise from SON to convene a follow-up meeting to resolve the grievances raised by the Federation.’’

FTAN also maintained that by calling for nominations while the dispute remains officially unresolved, SON is disregarding the agreed-upon process for reconciliation.

Pending the resolution of the subsisting matter and issues raised by it, the Federation stated clearly the following demands on its members to stay clear of SON and TC/MC; ‘‘In the spirit of unity and oneness, the Federation hereby requests that: No Member Association should submit any names or engage with the provided Google Form link or any other communication from the TC/MC;

‘‘That any communication received from SON regarding these nominations should be forwarded to the FTAN Secretariat for documentation; That FTAN maintains a united front to ensure that the private sector is not sidelined or treated as a mere “rubber stamp” in the development of standards that directly affect our businesses.

“The strength of our Federation lies in our ability to speak with one voice. To participate in this process prematurely is to weaken our bargaining power and jeopardize the long-term interests of the Nigerian Tourism Industry”.

The Federation further assured that it remains committed to professional collaboration with SON, provided it is built on mutual respect and the inclusion of the organised private sector as a primary stakeholder.

The letter to the Director General of SON reads in full: “The leadership of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), the apex umbrella body for the organized private sector in tourism, writes to express its profound disappointment regarding the recent circular issued by the National Technical/Mirror Committee (TC/MC) requesting nominations into Sub-Committees.

This action is not only premature but directly contravenes the spirit of our ongoing dialogue and the explicit promise made by SON management to resolve pending grievances before further action.

1. Breach of the Agreement to Reconvene.

As you are aware, our previous meeting regarding the unilateral inauguration of this TC/MC ended with a clear consensus: the meeting was inconclusive. SON promised to convene a follow-up session to address the Federation’s concerns and harmonize representation. By proceeding with nominations, SON has bypassed the reconciliation process, undermining the trust necessary for a public-private partnership.

2. Concerns Regarding Vetting and Professional Standards.

During our last engagement, we highlighted a critical lapse in the committee’s formation: the failure to vet nominees via Curriculum Vitae (CV). It is ironic that an organization dedicated to “Standards” would admit individuals into a high-level Technical Committee without verifying their current expertise.

A case in point is the FTAN representative in the main committee who was admitted without submitting his CV and subsequently nearly embarrassed Nigeria at the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO). This individual opted out at the point of assuming the Chairmanship, citing a lack of interest in SON activities. It took the urgent intervention of the current FTAN President to mandate the current Chairman to bridge that gap. Furthermore, this same representative failed to attend a critical Standard Validation meeting in Benin Republic in the month of July last year, causing Nigeria to lose its voice at that forum. We cannot allow a repeat of such professional negligence.

3. Conflict of Interest and Leadership Integrity.

SON previously stated that care was taken in selecting the TC/MC leadership to avoid conflict of interest. However, we must point out that the purported Chairman occupies multiple roles as a lecturer, practitioner, and operator—a situation that defeats the very purpose of neutrality.

Furthermore, we are concerned about the “interest” driving the current leadership. This same individual has, in the past, refused to participate in TC/MC meetings on the grounds that he cannot make sacrifice since it was a voluntary assignment. It is baffling that an individual who refused to contribute to the committee’s foundation is now positioned to head it.

Our Position:

While FTAN does not seek to dictate the internal affairs of SON, we have a duty, as critical stakeholder, to ensure that the process governing our industry is led by individuals with proven commitment and zero conflict of interest.

Consequently, FTAN has directed all its member associations to suspend any participation or submission of nominations to the TC/MC committees as requested. The Federation will not be part of this committee until: The promised follow-up meeting is held; The leadership of the TC/MC is dissolved and re-constituted to ensure it aligns with the right process and industry-wide confidence;

A member who has made immense contribution and is ready to selflessly volunteer to Standards, in line with the provision of PPDNNS, 5.7.1.1c, is considered to head the committee.

We urge you to suspend all activities regarding these nominations and return to the path of doing the right thing that will along all the stakeholders.

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Speaking during the visits, Badaki emphasised the need for partnerships in the area of training, and participation in the Federation’s programmes among others.

He urged the  hotel operators to partner with the Federation in making NTIFE 2026 bigger and better through their participation and support.

Badaki explained that by collaborating with FTAN, it will be a symbiotic relationship that will ensure a win-win for all the parties.

He disclosed that NTIFE 2026 is now slated to take place in July to avoid the tight November schedule when a lot of programmes will take place in the industry.

FTAN President stated that the tourism conference and exhibition event is planned to coincide with the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Federation, making it seamless to attract huge following and attention.

According to him, NTIFE 2026 promises to be very exciting and economically benefiting as it is going to be bigger and expanded to feature for the first time food fair, and full-blown exhibition by all the associations of the Federation among others.

This, he said will afford the various associations the opportunity to interact with the public, industry players and government officials, by exhibiting their associations and engaging with them.

Badaki disclosed further that the visit is the first phase as visit to other hotel chains and related organisations is in the pipeline.

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The President, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Dr Aliyu Badaki has charged both the government and private sector to focus on recovery, growth and strategic partnership in order to grow Nigerian tourism in 2026.

Badaki, who gave this charge in his 2026 message, said the new year holds a lot of promises for the people and the sector. 

While welcoming everyone to the New Year, Badaki extended his warm greetings to all stakeholders, practitioners, investors, and advocates within Nigeria’s tourism ecosystem. 

He said: “This new year greets us not merely as a continuation of our journey, but as a decisive moment; one that calls for alignment, execution, and collective responsibility.’’

He expressed his appreciation to the Nigerian tourism family for holding strong and firm in the outgone year in the face of challenges faced by them, the sector and the nation.

‘‘I express my profound appreciation to members of the Nigerian tourism family. Your resilience, commitment, and belief in the sector despite economic headwinds, regulatory pressures, and structural constraints remain the backbone of our industry,’’ he said.

He continued further: “I particularly acknowledge our tourism ambassadors at home and in the diaspora who continue to project Nigeria’s story, culture, and hospitality with pride on the global stage.

‘‘There is no denying that 2025 was a challenging year commercially for many operators. However, history will record it as a year of groundwork and recalibration. It was a period of rebuilding trust, strengthening engagement, and reopening critical lines of collaboration between Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), international development partners, and the organised private sector.”

FTAN President stated that the bridges rebuilt in the latter half of 2025 have laid the foundation for a more coordinated and purpose-driven tourism economy.

Badaki noted that it is within this context that the Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM) becomes both relevant and urgent. 

He noted: ‘‘TTM is not a slogan; but   a call to action anchored on policy alignment, private sector repositioning, investment readiness, human capacity development, destination competitiveness, and measurable outcomes.’’

He added that TTM reflects a collective resolve to move Nigerian tourism from potential to performance.

According to him: ‘‘2026, therefore, must be a year of recovery, consolidation, and growth.

‘‘A year where: Policy frameworks translate into operational clarity; Partnerships evolve into co-investment and co-delivery; Standards replace informality; Data, skills, and professionalism drive decision-making; and Tourism asserts itself as a serious contributor to GDP diversification, job creation, and national branding.”

Badaki said FTAN remains unwavering in its commitment to this transformation, stressing that the Federation will continue to serve as a unifying platform for advocacy, engagement, capacity building, and strategic collaboration, ensuring that the private sector is not only heard but positioned as a true co-driver of national tourism development.

He explained: ‘‘As we navigate 2026, we must also be honest about the realities before us: rising operating costs, regulatory overlaps, security perceptions, infrastructure gaps, skills shortages, and the need for improved ease of doing business. Yet, these challenges also present an opportunity to reset systems, strengthen governance, embrace innovation, and rebuild confidence across the value chain.’’

While assuring of the opportunities ahead, Badaki urged everyone to move forward and let mutual respect define its engagements. 

He said every stakeholder, large or small, has a role to play, a value to add, and a responsibility to uphold standards. 

Badaki tasked the tourism stakeholders to commit, collectively in making Nigeria a destination of choice; ‘‘leveraging on its diversity as strength, its culture as capital, and the people as its greatest asset.’’

He also charged both the government and operators on entrenching regulation and standardisation noting; ‘‘the role of standardisation is the foundation of tourism development in our sector. Therefore, both the standard body and the Federation will ensure a good working relationship to actualise this vision.’’

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This is as he also called on him to revisit the Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between NIHOTOUR and the Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN) and other professional bodies alike, stressing that the MoU, which was signed over 15 years ago and left in the cooler by subsequent administrators of the Institute, is meant to entrench training and capacity building in hospitality and tourism through partnership with HATMAN and NIHOTOUR other professionals bodies.

Badaki gave these charges when he spoke as special guest during the one-day Annual Master Lecture Series of NIHOTOUR, which was held recently at Abuja. He commended the DG for sustaining the annual lecture series tradition, noting that it will further give traction to the Institute as a training and capacity building institute.

The choice of the theme: Advancing knowledge strengthening, capacity, and deepening professional standards within Nigeria Tourism and Hospitality Ecosystem, he said was seminal and timely, stressing that it captures the essence and mandate of the Institute.

To this, he charged the DG to focus more on this trajectory, working with relevant bodies and individuals in the hospitality and tourism ecosystem. He pledged the commitment of FTAN in working closely with the Institute’s leadership to achieve this onerous and desirous endgame by all the operators.

According to him, if NIHOTOUR properly harness the theme of the lecture series in line with its core mandate, that it will positively impact on the industry’s standards and ultimately leads to guest’s satisfaction and Return on Investment (RoI) to the investors.

He called on the DG to revamp the MoU signed by the Institute and HATMAN on joint training and capacity building, noting that if implemented it will further boost confidence in the sector and enhance the needed capacity and standards that everyone is clamouring for.

Badaki advised the Institute to organise more of the yearly lecture series to cover the six geo-graphical zones of the country.

On his part, Fagade expressed appreciation to Badaki for attending the event, and his charges. He noted that they are welcomed, promising that the Institute will take action on them. He then mandated his team on the spot to commence immediate planning to host the lecture series across the six zones of the country as advised by Badaki.

He reiterated the commitment of NIHOTOUR to its core mandate of training and capacity building, while stressing that standardisation of the industry in the areas of capacity building, and statistical data, among others, would be squarely addressed as well.

Fagade also paid tribute to the team led by Dr Edwin Enenta for organising the programme within such a short period of time.

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The event, organised by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), was Runsewe’s first major tourism appearance in the Federal Capital Territory since his removal from office on January 12, 2024, during a restructuring of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.

In the front row sat the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa; under whose watch Runsewe exited office.

This was the first time both personalities would be in the same event and share a stage nearly a year after the widely described “unceremonious” exit, setting the room on edge as many wondered how their reunion would unfold.

When invited to speak, Runsewe slipped seamlessly into his familiar style; ebullient, articulate, and deeply informed. He delivered an insightful assessment of global cultural tourism trends, complete with data and analysis reminiscent of his days at the helm of the NCAC and NTDC (now NTDA).

He lamented Nigeria’s absence from the list of Africa’s top 10 performers in the latest global tourism report, which recorded over 1.1 billion international arrivals between January and September 2025. He noted that nations such as The Gambia, South Africa, Kenya, and several North African countries powered the continent’s growth.

Commending FTAN President, Dr. Aliyu Badaki, for his innovative leadership, he urged the Federation to prioritise its Tourism Transformation Mandate.

He also commended the Federation on the choice of the keynote speaker, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, for the event, describing him as cerebral, knowledgeable and fascinating speaker.

Addressing government officials and the Minister directly, he called for a strategic reassessment of the sector, recommending a SWOT analysis framework to reposition Nigeria as a competitive global tourism force.

His presentation drew a loud, sustained applause. As he returned to his seat, he and Musawa exchanged warm pleasantries; an unexpected but heartwarming moment that drew a standing ovation from the audience.

In her remarks, Musawa went further, publicly acknowledging Runsewe’s service and contributions to Nigeria’s cultural tourism landscape. She described his impact as “indelible,” and appreciated his recommendations, assuring the audience that his insights would be explored as part of an urgent effort to analyse the sector’s strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for sustainable transformation.

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Badaki stated that the Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) 2025 represents far more than an annual event; but symbolises Nigeria’s readiness to embrace a bold new future.

Speaking at the 2025 NTIFE, with the theme: National Tourism Investment and Global Partnership, held recently in Abuja, Badaki noted that the new future is where tourism becomes a significant contributor to economic growth.

He disclosed that one of FTAN’s most significant contributions this year was full participation in the final review of the National Tourism Policy, an exercise coordinated by the Nigeria Economic Summit Group under the guidance of the Ministry.

Badaki pointed out that participating in the tourism policy was a landmark moment for the private sector, as FTAN’s voice was not only heard but deeply integrated into the policy.

He added that the final document reflects shared priorities, private-sector realities, and global best practices, stressing that it is a policy Nigerians can proudly present to the world.

FTAN President emphasised that: “Another major milestone we achieved was the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding between FTAN, the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, and the National Gallery of Art. This MoU marks a new era of structured collaboration. It acknowledges the private sector as a major engine of tourism development and creates formal pathways for joint programming, marketing, destination development, cultural tourism integration, standards improvement, and investor support.

“For the first time, FTAN is not participating from the sidelines; we are now embedded in the architecture of national tourism planning and implementation.”

Badaki explained his Tourism Transformation Mandate, which distilled his aspirations into three major areas, which include the need to grow tourism through strong partnerships and meaningful policy influence, the transformation and unification of FTAN’s institutional framework; and the expansion of market development, national image amplification, and legacy-building initiatives.

He noted that the Tourism Transformation Mandate is no longer an idea on paper; but an active, living blueprint guiding its actions and shaping its results.

In his words: “Every step we have taken since our inauguration has been intentional. Immediately after the elections, we convened a strategic executive retreat. That retreat was our starting point, a space where we aligned our priorities, agreed on implementation pathways, and unified our collective understanding of FTAN’s role in Nigeria’s tourism journey. ”

Badaki noted that the clarity and cohesion that emerged from that retreat set the pace for the progress they are now celebrating.

He said FTAN has embarked on a series of courtesy visits to key government agencies, including the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Arts, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), and the National Gallery of Art (NGA).

Badaki further observed that these engagements strengthened institutional trust, reinforced public-private alignment, and ensured that FTAN is firmly recognised as a reliable partner in national tourism development.

Badaki stated that FTAN will be taking it a nudge higher by signing strategic MoUs with them.

FTAN President lauded the Minister’s unwavering partnership, visionary support, and exemplary leadership which have been instrumental in strengthening its efforts, qualities that deserve not only its admiration but their collective emulation.

Badaki explained that: “Understanding that international collaboration is essential to any competitive tourism economy, we expanded our diplomatic engagements by visiting embassies and high commissions across various regions. These meetings were strategic, and they opened channels for cultural exchange, tourism promotion partnerships, investment interest, and bilateral cooperation.

Nigeria’s tourism potential is vast, and our discussions with foreign missions confirmed that the world is paying attention”.

Badaki noted that with the new tourism policy in place, stronger public-private collaboration, an energised creative industry, improved visibility for Nigerian culture, and a large domestic market, Nigeria is primed for unprecedented tourism investment.

He informed investors that Nigeria offers limitless opportunities in hospitality, ecotourism, entertainment, and creative festivals, MICE tourism, community tourism, travel technology, transportation, culinary tourism, cultural infrastructure, and much more.

Badaki noted that the FTAN family welcomes increased incentives for tourism investors, improved safety and infrastructure around tourism sites, enhanced national marketing, and the activation of structures such as the Presidential Council on Tourism.

He maintained that with deeper collaboration, Nigeria can unlock billions in untapped tourism value.

According to him, “Nigeria has everything it needs to become a leading tourism destination in Africa: diversity, creativity, cultural richness, natural beauty, and the warmth of our people. What remains is sustained collaboration, bold investment, and long-term commitment.”

He urged stakeholders to build partnerships that endure, attract investors who see Nigeria not as a risk, but as a rising opportunity and to leave behind a legacy of growth, unity, and transformation.

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This is as she invites investors to invest in Nigeria’s cultural tourism and creative assets, noting that Nigeria is hugely endowed with diverse assets and human capital that can compete in the global market, with government committed to driving sustainability.

Musawa made this call during the eight edition of Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIF) 2025 organised by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), which is the umbrella body for private sector operators in tourism, with the theme; National Tourism Investment and Global Partnership, and sub-theme of Investing in Nigeria ‘s Tourism Future.

Speaking at the one day event held in Abuja, Musawa said NTIFE is not just a platform bringing people together to create Nigeria’s cultural wealth, “but to invite you to join us in transforming that wealth into lasting economic growth and global impact.”

According to her, with the creation of the Ministry, “we are signalling a renewed  commitment to position culture, tourism and creative industries as central pillars of our national development. Under this vision, our sector aims to contribute 100 billion US dollars by 2030 and generate over two million jobs for the youths ”

Musawa also spoke on the efforts of addressing deficits in infrastructure and policy framework that have been the bane of the sector.

She disclosed some of the materials and infrastructure framework put in place by her Ministry to address some of the deficits.

To achieve this, she called on investors to invest in the cultural tourism and creative assets of the country, noting the importance of strategic partnerships to actualise the desired goals.

“Today, I extend a call to you all, investors, stakeholders, and partners. Invest in Nigeria ‘s heritage, creativity and natural beauty. Partner with us in building world class cultural hubs, heritage sites, resorts, creative cities, entertainment infrastructure, and more,” said Musawa.

Adding, “Collaborate with us to nurture talents, promote our heritage globally, and create opportunities for millions.”

To this end, she noted that her Ministry is ready to partner with organisations that would bring value to the table, saying the Ministry is presently signing Memoranda of Understanding with states across the country and corporate bodies in line with the Presidential directive of employing Private-  Public Partnership (PPP) model in order to have a competitive and sustainable economy.

Musawa then charged the operators to engage with her Ministry, saying, “I urge you to engage with the Ministry to see what we are doing and how you too can add value to it.

“Together we can transform Nigeria into a global destination hub where culture meets commerce, tradition meets innovation, and where our diversity becomes a source of pride, unity, and prosperity.”

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As part of this strategic partnership, NTDA will sign a Memoraunda of Understanding (MoU) with FTAN on the joint marketing of Nigeria across international channels, as Nigeria looks to reclaiming its status at the global tourism marketing scene having been absent for years.

These developments were part of the fallouts from the strategic meeting FTAN, led by its President, Dr Aliyu Badaki, had with the management of NTDA led by its Director General, Olayiwola Awakan, when FTAN paid a courtesy visit to Awakan, who recently assumed office as the new DG of the Authority.

Speaking at the occasion, Badaki disclosed that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration and advancing shared goals for the growth of Nigeria’s tourism sector. He expressed appreciation to the DG for the warm reception and congratulated him on his well-deserved appointment. He gave a brief overview of FTAN’s mandate as the umbrella body representing the private sector in Nigeria’s tourism industry. The President emphasised that FTAN, as the voice of the private sector, plays a critical watchdog role in ensuring that the interests of tourism investors and operators are protected.

While commending NTDA for its consistent partnership with FTAN in efforts geared towards improving the sector, he pledged that with the new DG on board that the partnership will be taken to new heights, with focus on opening new frontiers for the benefits of both bodies and the sector as well.

He noted that the Federation welcomes innovation and new ideas but stressed that such initiatives must be implemented in partnership with private-sector players. Badaki also briefed the DG the importance of the upcoming Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE), to which he has been formally invited as a Special Guest of Honour. The Forum is scheduled to hold on November 28, 2025, in Abuja.

The First Deputy President of FTAN, Mrs Susan Akporiaye disclosed FTAN’s commitment to heading efforts at promoting and marketing Nigerian tourism at the international level, stressing the importance of joint efforts by the two bodies.

As part of this renewed effort, she said that FTAN and NTDA would further strengthen it strategic partnership and joint marketing and promotion of Nigeria’s tourism offerings through a MoU that would be formally signed at NTIFE 2025 once it has been reviewed by NTDA.

She highlighted the importance of active physical representation at global travel markets and exhibitions. This is as she recommended the establishment of a joint committee by both parties to ensure early and effective planning and implementation of agreed marketing strategies.

In his remarks, Awakan expressed appreciation to FTAN for the visit, noting that he had long been associated with the Federation.

He reaffirmed his commitment to deepening the existing relationship between NTDA and the private sector. According to him, his tenure would prioritise collaborative programmes and activities that align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.

Awakan stressed that meaningful progress in the tourism industry can only be achieved through strong partnerships, as tourism remains a private sector-driven enterprise. He welcomed the proposed MoU and confirmed his readiness to sign it at NTIFE 2025.

He added that the success of NTIFE 2025 is, by extension, the success of NTDA.

The DG reiterated that Nigeria is richly endowed with vast tourism opportunities that must be harnessed through sustained collaboration between government agencies and private sector stakeholders.

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