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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Awakan made this known during his engagement with the participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Jos, who paid a strategic institutional visit to NTDA Headquarters in Abjua

Awakan, who warmly welcomed the team, expressed delight engaging with the stakeholders on tourism development, noting that he is always excited to discuss the vast opportunities within the sector.

As part of the visit, the Director-General delivered a presentation, titled; Orange Economy and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Growth in Nigeria: The NTDA Perspective.” The lecture highlighted the strategic role of tourism within the Orange Economy, emphasising its capacity to drive innovation, create jobs, promote cultural heritage, and contribute significantly to national economic diversification and sustainable development.

The NIPPS team led by Professor Musa Emmanuel Umar, commended the DG for his visionary leadership and impactful initiatives within the tourism sector.

Umar stated: “You are not just a political appointee but a practitioner in your own right. We consider NTDA a critical actor in this industry.”

He further disclosed the readiness of NIPSS to collaborate with NTDA in addressing sectoral challenges and developing actionable policy recommendations aimed at promoting Nigeria’s tourism potential on the global stage.

The interactive session underscored the importance of strategic partnerships between policy institutions and implementing agencies. It also highlighted the shared commitment of both NIPSS and NTDA to strengthening tourism development through informed policy formulation, institutional collaboration, and sustainable initiatives.

The visit marks a significant step towards fostering synergy between both institutions in advancing Nigeria’s tourism agenda.

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Awakan made the call at the National Tourism and Hospitality Stakeholders Forum held in Abuja, with NTDA as the convener in collaboration with the Federation of TOURISM Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Industry.

He stated; ‘‘we are at a pivotal moment in our journey, supported by renewed policy direction, growing private sector interest, the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the enabling provisions of the NTDA Act 2022, which provides a stronger legal and institutional foundation for transformation.’’

Below is excerpts of the address of Awakan:

Distinguished stakeholders, captains of industry, representatives of government institutions, leaders of tourism associations, development partners, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to the National Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum 2026, convened under the theme; “Shaping the Future of Nigerian Tourism Together.”

Your presence here today is a strong demonstration of our collective resolve and shared commitment to repositioning tourism as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economic diversification, cultural promotion, and global engagement. As the current Director-General, following my recent appointment, it became imperative for me to formally present myself to this critical body of stakeholders—distinguished personalities and partners with whom we will collectively drive the transformation of Nigeria’s tourism sector.

Forum is a strategic convergence point designed to foster dialogue, strengthen alignment, catelyse actionable outcomes

This Forum is not merely a ceremonial gathering; it is a strategic convergence point designed to foster dialogue, strengthen alignment, and catalyze actionable outcomes for the growth of the tourism sector. Notably, this National Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum represents the very first of its kind at the national level, although zonal stakeholders’ engagements and facilitation meetings have been held at various times across the country.

… tourism built on a tripod

Tourism, both globally and within our national context, thrives on a tripod framework consisting of attractions, hospitality, and transportation. Attractions represent our rich natural endowments, cultural heritage, festivals, and creative assets; hospitality defines the quality of experiences and services we provide to visitors; while transportation ensures accessibility, connectivity, and ease of movement across destinations.

The effectiveness of our tourism sector is therefore dependent on how well these three pillars are developed, integrated, and managed. This Forum provides us with a unique opportunity to harmonise stakeholders’ efforts, identify critical gaps, and co-create sustainable strategies that will strengthen these foundational elements.

Nigeria is undeniably endowed with immense tourism potential. From our diverse ecological landscapes to our vibrant cultural expressions and globally recognised creative industry, we possess the assets required to become a leading tourism destination.

… challenges

However, it is also important to acknowledge that the sector has not yet attained its full potential. Challenges such as fragmented institutional coordination, infrastructural deficits, limited global visibility, and inconsistencies in regulatory frameworks have constrained growth.

Notwithstanding these challenges, we are at a pivotal moment in our journey, supported by renewed policy direction, growing private sector interest, the “renewed hope agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the enabling provisions of the NTDA Act, 2022, which provides a stronger legal and institutional foundation for transformation.

… NTDA repositioned

The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority has therefore been repositioned as a regulatory, developmental, and marketing agency with a clear and focused mandate. Our mission is to develop, regulate, and promote Nigeria as a preferred tourism destination, while our overarching goals include establishing a robust and predictable regulatory environment, driving tourism investment and infrastructure development, enhancing global promotion of Nigeria’s tourism assets, improving service standards across the industry, and strengthening institutional capacity to deliver on our mandate effectively.

… leveraging on solid foundation by predecessors

In this regard, I wish to sincerely appreciate my predecessors in office for their invaluable contributions in positioning the Authority to its current level. Governance is indeed a continuum, and I am delighted to take over the baton of leadership, leveraging the solid foundation they have laid. This progress cannot be sustained or accelerated without the active collaboration of stakeholders, hence the importance of this forum.

…. key areas of focus

In pursuit of these objectives, the Authority is prioritising several key strategic focus areas. We are strengthening the policy and regulatory framework to ensure clarity, consistency, and investor confidence, while also enforcing compliance across the tourism ecosystem.

At the institutional level, we are building capacity to create a more responsive, efficient, and result-oriented organisation capable of driving reform and innovation. In the area of tourism marketing, we are repositioning Nigeria’s image through targeted campaigns, strategic partnerships, and increased participation in global tourism platforms. We are also emphasizing research and development by promoting data-driven decision-making to guide planning, policy formulation, and investment strategies.

Furthermore, we are facilitating tourism investment and infrastructure development to unlock the full value of our destinations, while also prioritizing human resource development to enhance professionalism, skills, and service delivery across the sector.

Quality assurance remains central to our efforts, as we are committed to ensuring standards through systematic inspection, certification, and continuous monitoring of tourism enterprises.

… transformative initiatives

In alignment with the provisions of the NTDA Act, 2022, we have introduced a number of transformative initiatives aimed at repositioning the sector. One of such initiatives is tourism digitalization, which involves the development of interactive digital platforms that will showcase Nigeria’s tourism offerings, provide seamless user experiences, and integrate information, booking, and destination management systems. We are also placing strong emphasis on the development of MICE tourism—Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions—recognizing its potential as a high-value segment capable of driving business travel and economic activity.

In addition, we are implementing the standardisation and accreditation of Hospitality and Tourism Enterprises through a nationwide system that will improve service quality, enhance consumer confidence, and align Nigeria with international best practices. But all of these require strong collaboration with the states and the private sector. We cannot do it without you all.

… birthing Naija Flavour Marketplace

A key highlight of this stakeholders’ engagement is the conceptualisation and planned birth of the Naija Flavour Marketplace, which we consider a strategic intervention for sector growth and inclusivity. Tourism is inherently a labor-intensive sector, with value chains that accommodate a wide range of skills, from highly specialized services to informal and community-based enterprises.

The Tourism Marketplace is therefore designed as a structured platform that connects buyers, sellers, service providers, investors, and consumers across the tourism value chain. It will address the issue of negative trends in labour fragmentation by providing visibility, access, and coordination for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which forms the backbone of the industry.

Importantly, this initiative aligns with our national priorities on employment generation, as it creates scalable opportunities for youth and women, who constitute a significant proportion of the tourism workforce.

By formalising and digitising access to markets, the Tourism Marketplace will unlock economic participation, stimulate entrepreneurship, and deepen value creation across the sector- as we begin small, we plan to grow big and attract tourists from other states and spread across.

Equally important is our commitment to strengthening synergy between the public and private sectors. We are fostering closer collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), sub-national governments, and other relevant tourism bodies, to ensure a more coordinated and unified approach to sector development. This collaboration is essential in eliminating duplication, maximizing resources, and achieving greater impact.

… expanding inbound tourism

As the chief tourism marketing agency of Nigeria, the NTDA is also focused on expanding inbound tourism, positioning tourism as a viable export sector capable of generating foreign exchange earnings. In this regard, we will leverage Nigeria’s eco-tourism assets, heritage sites, and creative industries, using storytelling as a powerful tool to reshape global perceptions and present authentic Nigerian narratives to the world.

… storytelling mechanism

Being a story teller myself, I believe there can be a phenomenal change in the tourism sector through story telling as Nigeria remains a microcosm of stories. We are equally advocating a more visa-friendly regime that simplifies entry processes, encourages travel and investment, and enhances Nigeria’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.

… international tourism city

A major flagship initiative under our strategic vision is the proposed development of an international Tourism City—a one-stop tourism edifice that will encapsulate and project the essence of Nigeria. This Tourism City will integrate culture, entertainment, hospitality, and commerce into a single, immersive destination that tells the Nigerian story in a compelling and innovative way.

It will serve not only as a symbol of national pride but also as a major attraction capable of drawing both domestic and international visitors, truly becoming a destination that “speaks Nigeria” using Naija flavour to make a paradigm shift in the tourism sector.

.. strong collaboration

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the future of Nigerian tourism cannot be built in isolation. It requires strong collaboration, continuous innovation, and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders.

This forum therefore provides us with a platform to share ideas, build consensus, and define clear, actionable pathways for the growth and sustainability of the sector.

With this impressive turnout, it is clear that there is strong stakeholder commitment to the sector, and moving forward, this forum will evolve into a periodic national tourism stakeholders’ town hall series, with the inaugural series set to commence next year—growing from this modest beginning into a major national platform.

I urge all participants to engage actively, contribute meaningfully, and approach our deliberations with a sense of purpose and responsibility.

Together, we can transform Nigerian tourism into a major contributor to national GDP, a driver of job creation, and a powerful instrument for national unity and global influence. On behalf of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, I once again welcome you all to this important forum and wish us a productive and impactful engagement.

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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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Gideon, a travel industry leader, and Chief Executive Officer of Aeroport Group, and former two-term Lagos Zonal Public Relations Officer, began his engagements in Lagos, where the Zone held its AGM marking the end of the tenure of its outgone executive officers.

The transition, overseen by respected Board of Trustees members, including; Mr Daisi Olotu and Mrs Durosinmi Etti, featured formal handover proceedings, valedictory remarks, and presentation of certificates of service to executives, who had completed their terms.

At the Eastern Zone AGM in Port Harcourt, he witnessed the election of a new executive committee and congratulated both outgone and incoming officers for their stewardship and commitment to advancing professional standards within the region.

A notable highlight of the Eastern Zone meeting was the emergence of Mr Emmanuel Ossai, one of Gideon’s former students, as Zonal Public Relations Officer — a development viewed by many as reflective of sustained mentorship and capacity development within Nigeria’s travel industry.

Industry stakeholders present at the Port Harcourt gathering, which featured participation from regulators and airline representatives, emphasised the importance of structured communication, regulatory alignment, and improved coordination across zones.

Gideon’s engagements further extended to the Northern Zone in Kano and the Abuja Zone, where leadership transitions and stakeholders’ interactions focused on strengthening information flow, reinforcing compliance standards, and enhancing the association’s national representation.

He was also at the Western Zone AGM in Ibadan, where he monitored the transition, with new officers elected. He had a constructive engagement with stakeholders at the zone.

During his tenure as Lagos Zonal Public Relations Officer, Gideon made some strides, including representing NANTA at the World Travel Market (WTM) London in 2024, where he coordinated the media in furtherance of the association’s international visibility.

It is to his credit that the visual content from the Nigerian delegation was subsequently utilised by the WTM media team in promotional materials in the 2025 edition of the yearly event, underscoring Nigeria’s growing presence within the global travel trade ecosystem.

Speaking during interactions across the zones, Gideon stressed the need for stronger inter-zonal communication, institutional continuity, and responsible representation of members’ interests at both national and international platforms.

He is a cleared nominee for the position of National Publicity Secretary of NANTA, subject to the ongoing electoral process.

The forthcoming 50th AGM of NANTA is expected to convene travel professionals, airline operators, regulators, and tourism stakeholders from across Nigeria in what is anticipated to be a defining moment in the association’s history.

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Awakan’s appointment to lead the continental body is said to reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership role in advancing continental tourism. The Executive Director of ATC, Lucky Onoriode Geoorge (PhD), disclosed the appointment following a high-level engagements with NTDA and ATC in Abuja.

NTDA’s DG emergence as Chairman builds on Nigeria’s longstanding contributions to global tourism development, including its historic role in shaping international tourism cooperation and the evolution of UN Tourism.

In his acceptance remarks, Awakan pledged to drive sustainable tourism growth, enhance competitiveness, deepen cultural exchange, and unlock broader economic opportunities across the continent through strong public–private collaboration.

He further expressed optimism for Nigeria’s tourism sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that Nigeria is well positioned to lead efforts aimed at improving visa openness, strengthening connectivity, and fostering regional integration.

George noted that the appointment of Awakan places Nigeria at the forefront of Africa’s tourism renaissance, with plans to convene tourism leaders from across the continent and implement collaborative frameworks that will transform Africa into a premier global tourism hub through innovation, unity and strategic advocacy.

Originally established in 1965 and revived in Ghana in 2021 as a non-profit body under George, ATC serves as a strategic platform to promote intra-African travel, strengthen partnerships, advocate progressive policies, and position Africa as a unified global destination among others.

The post NTDA DG, Awakan, named Chairman of African Travel Commission appeared first on Eglobalnews.

For twenty years, Finchglow Travels has been absorbing it, pricing the fares that travel agents quote, shouldering the foreign exchange volatility that would otherwise ground small agencies, and negotiating with airlines on behalf of an industry too fragmented to negotiate for itself.

This year, Finchglow Travels marks its 20th anniversary not with fanfare for its own sake, but as a moment to hold a mirror up to an ecosystem it has quietly held together, and to name, plainly, what a travel consolidator is and why Nigeria cannot afford to keep misunderstanding one.

In global aviation markets, consolidators are well understood. They sit between airlines and the travel trade, aggregating inventory, negotiating contracted fares unavailable on the open market, and providing the financial and operational scaffolding that allows thousands of independent travel agents to compete.

In Nigeria, that understanding has never quite taken root. The result is a structural vulnerability that the sector has only recently begun to acknowledge.

Finchglow Travel’s Managing Director, Ezekiel Ikotun, is direct about what that gap costs and what closing it requires.

“Our goal is to educate our customers, equip them with the right knowledge, and make them global players. We don’t just sell tickets, we consolidate travel into opportunity, savings, and innovation.”

Finchglow’s 20-year journey is the story of building that infrastructure almost entirely without a template in a market where airlines, agents, and corporates each operated in silos, where forex policy could reprice a ticket overnight, and where the knowledge needed to run a sustainable travel business was neither documented nor distributed.

Today, the company powers travel for corporate organisations, retail travel agents, and consumers across Nigeria and beyond. Airlines trust it as a settlement partner. Agents rely on it for access to fares, systems, and support they cannot access alone. Corporates use it to manage complex travel programmes in a market where complexity is the norm.

The 20th anniversary arrives at a turbulent moment for Nigerian aviation. Foreign exchange instability has made airline pricing volatile and settlement uncertain. The margins in travel remain razor-thin. Agents face staffing constraints, limited access to working capital, and widening gaps in digital capability. International airlines continue to weigh Nigeria’s operating environment against their global route priorities.

Group Managing Director, Finchglow Holdings, Bankole Bernard, reiterates this: “Airlines are protecting themselves against instability and uncertainty. Broader foreign exchange and policy challenges largely drive fare volatility and most people operating in this sector are one bad quarter away from finding that out.”

Finchglow’s response to these pressures has been structural, not reactive. By leveraging dollar inflows from its corporate client base and negotiating dual-currency settlement arrangements with airline partners, the company has created a buffer that extends beyond itself, allowing agents in its network to transact in naira while Finchglow manages the underlying dollar obligations. In a market where forex exposure has collapsed more than one travel business, this is not a small thing.

The company has also invested in building capacity across the sector. Finchglow hosts webinars and live events, publishes weekly industry intelligence, and runs online training designed to narrow the knowledge gap that makes Nigerian travel agents vulnerable. Three live editions ran in 2025 alone, with plans to deepen the programme’s reach across more cities in 2026.

In Nigerian business, longevity in a volatile sector is not incidental; it is evidence of adaptation, of relationships that held, of a business model that remained relevant through deregulation, a pandemic, and a currency crisis that reshaped the economics of international travel for agents across the country.

Finchglow Holdings Group Managing Director, Bankole Bernard, has consistently called for greater government engagement on regulatory inconsistencies and increased domestic investment in aviation infrastructure, including Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facilities, to reduce the capital flight that continues to weaken Nigeria’s position in regional aviation. These are not peripheral concerns. They are structural conditions that determine whether Nigerian travel businesses thrive or merely survive.

That Finchglow has done more than survive and has brought a significant portion of Nigeria’s travel trade with it is what the 20th anniversary is really marking.

As Nigeria’s travel ecosystem continues to navigate structural headwinds, Finchglow enters its third decade with the same posture it has held for twenty years: in the background, holding the infrastructure together, and insisting that an informed, well-resourced travel trade is not a luxury it is the foundation on which the entire sector stands.

About Finchglow Travels

Finchglow Travels is Nigeria’s leading travel consolidator, providing bespoke solutions to corporate, leisure, and trade partners nationwide. Through industry expertise, strong global partnerships, and a technology-driven approach, Finchglow empowers travel agencies and clients to thrive in a dynamic market. www.finchglowtravels.com

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The conversation focused on building upon the success of the Namibia-Delta Trade and Investment Summit held in October 2024, with both parties expressing enthusiasm for reciprocal initiatives in 2026 to further enhance bilateral economic opportunities.

The Namibia-Delta Trade and Investment Summit, organised by the Namibia High Commission in collaboration with Global Links and Services Limited, the Coastal and Marine Areas Development Initiative (CMADI), and the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), was held on October 30, 2024, at the PIND Economic Development Centre in Egbokodo Itsekiri, Warri, Delta State.

Themed “Unlocking New Trade and Investment Opportunities,” the summit served as a high-level platform for stakeholders from Nigeria and Namibia to explore partnerships in key sectors including oil and gas, mining, agriculture, real estate, logistics, tourism, energy, natural resources, infrastructure, manufacturing, and the blue economy.

The event attracted prominent figures, including; Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (represented by Samuel Oligida, Commissioner for Trade and Investment); former Namibian High Commissioner H.E. Humphrey Geiseb; and industry leaders.

Discussions underscored Delta State’s investor-friendly policies, such as tax exemptions, free land allocations, and reduced bureaucratic hurdles, alongside Namibia’s untapped potential in mining, tourism, and bio-energy.

Participants decried the historically low trade volumes between the two nations and emphasized the need for stronger continental collaboration to diversify economies beyond oil reliance.

The Summit fostered networking, shared success stories of Nigerian businesses in Namibia, and provided practical insights into regulatory frameworks, visa processes, and market entry strategies, ultimately catalysing new partnerships and positioning both regions for sustainable growth.

Reflecting on the Summit during the recent meeting, Umeasiegbu noted its role in revitalising Warri as a hub for international trade and investment.

While Ndevashiya, who assumed his role in December 2025 and presented his letters of credence in January 2026, commended the summit’s impact and expressed eagerness to reciprocate with similar initiatives in Namibia this year.

Global Links and Services Limited, under Umeasiegbu’s leadership, continues to drive such initiatives as part of its broader mission to facilitate international travel, pilgrimages, cruises, and trade exhibitions like the annual ‘IJE – Journeys Around the World’ event.

This ongoing partnership underscores the travel facilitation company’s commitment to bridging African markets and promoting sustainable development. Stakeholders interested in upcoming Namibia-focused opportunities are encouraged to contact the company for more details.

Global Links and Services Limited is a premier Nigerian travel and tours agency specialising in pilgrimages, cruises, foreign admissions, and investment summits. As Deputy President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agents (NANTA) and a recipient of the Africa Travel 100 Women Award 2025, Umeasiegbu leads efforts to expand Africa’s travel and trade ecosystem from its base in Warri, Delta 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.

The post FTAN writes SON to  suspend all activities regarding nominations into TC/MC on Tourism Related Services appeared first on Eglobalnews.

Speaking at the HBS 2025 Graduation Ceremony and Awards at Wheatbaker Hotel Ikoyi, Lagos over the weekend, Badaki commended the Chief Executive Officer of  HBS, Dr Eric Mekwuye and his team, for their commitment to excellence in hospitality education.

He said HBS is feeding the industry the lifeblood it needs to grow.

FTAN President emphasised that the theme for this year’s event, “Hospitality Change Agents,” is not just a catchy title, but a mandate.

He pointed out; “we are living in a time where the global tourism and hospitality landscape is shifting beneath our feet.”

Badaki observed that technology, sustainability, and changing travellers’ behaviours are rewriting the playbook and rules.

According to him: “To survive and thrive, the industry no longer needs mere “employees”—it needs “Change Agents.”

He explained that to be a change agent in hospitality industry means: Innovation over Tradition – by looking at a traditional check-in process or a menu and asking, “How can we make this more efficient, more local, or moreover memorable.”

Imbibing Service Excellence as a Culture, Badaki maintained: ‘‘In Nigeria, we are known for our warmth. As change agents, you must bridge the gap between “innate friendliness” and “professional service excellence.” You are the ones who will set the gold standard that makes a guest choose Lagos over Dubai or London.

On the need for resilience: FTAN President added; “our industry is sensitive to economic and global shifts, stressing that a change agent doesn’t panic during a crisis; they pivot.

In his words: “As the President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), I can tell you that the private sector is hungry for your talent. We are working tirelessly to advocate for policies that grow our industry, but policies alone do not serve guests. People do.

‘‘You are entering the industry at a time when “Authentic African Hospitality” is becoming a global brand. Whether you find yourselves at the Wheatbaker, or starting your own outfit, remember that you carry the reputation of this nation on your shoulders.”

He continued further: “To the graduands, I offer three pieces of advice as you step out today:

Never Stop Learning: The certificate you receive today is a key, but the door of knowledge is infinite. Stay curious. Understand technology, understand green energy in hotels, and understand the psychology of the modern traveller;

Integrity is Your Currency: In hospitality, trust is everything. Whether you are managing accounts or managing a kitchen, let your integrity be beyond reproach;

Collaborate: Look at the person sitting next to you. They are your future partners, suppliers, or employers. Build your network starting now.”

While congratulating  the HBS Class of 2026, Badaki stated: “You have worked hard to reach this milestone. But remember, the “Hospitality Change Agent” isn’t a title you graduate into—it is a role you must earn every single day through your actions, your passion, and your service.

‘‘The industry is waiting for you. Nigeria is waiting for you. Go out there and lead the change.”

In his opening remarks, Mekwuye stated that Hospitality Business School is not just a school but a movement that doesn’t require any man.

He said the HBS journey started 32 years ago when he was denied visa to travel abroad to attend one of the hospitality schools in the world.

Mekwuye said the school is repositioned to give the students the best in hospitality training.

He advised young people seeking a career in the industry to jettison the idea of going abroad for training but rather consider doing the training at home.

More than 500 students have graduated within the period.

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