Culture and Tourism

Kangiwa, DG NIHOTOUR Strategises For Enhanced Relationship With Chinese Embassy On Staff Capacity Development

Published

6 years ago

November 17, 2020

Joel Ajayi

In a bid to strengthen the existing cordial relationship between the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, the Director-General, Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa has paid a courtesy call on the Attaché of the Economic and Commercial Counselor’s Office, Mr. Wu Lyufan of the Embassy of the Peoples’ Republic of China in Abuja.

Alhaji Kangiwa has during the visit seeks for a collaborative partnership between the Embassy and NIHOTOUR in the area of capacity development of staff of the Institute which will enhance performance in the delivery of the Institute’s mandate for personnel training in the Nigerian Travel Tourism and Hospitality industry.

He observed that China is noted for its reputation in manpower training and development worldwide particularly in skill acquisition and Hands-on training which NIHOTOUR will be glad to benefit from.

The Director-General reiterated the commitment and resolve of the federal government to revitalize every sector of the economy due to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially the travel tourism and hospitality sub-sector which was the hardest hit by the pandemic due to restrictions placed on the movement of people globally.

He said since its establishment over three decades ago, NIHOTOUR has trained over 10,000 certified IATA personnel in the nation’s Travel and Tourism industry and attained the best IATA training center in Africa and among the top ten best IATA training centers globally, noting that the Institute will do better if its staff receive training and retraining that will upscale their knowledge inline with new global skills and innovations in personnel training of the travel tourism and hospitality industry.

Responding, Mr. Wu Lyufan expressed his happiness with the visit, noting that his office will do everything possible to offer training slots for NIHOTOUR staff in China as soon as the embargo placed on training occasioned by the covid-19 pandemic is lifted.

He said the Chinese Government as well as the people of China are keenly interested in the culture and traditions of Nigeria and are ever willing for such a cultural interface between the two countries and exchange of training programs.

Mr. Wu said the Chinese people are great travelers and will like to make Nigeria their preferred tour destination in view of its rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions which are strong tourism attractions.

The Attaché promised to continue to offer all necessary support to NIHOTOUR in line with the healthy cordial relationship already existing between the Embassy and the Institute.

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Culture and Tourism

Awakan Marks First Anniversary as NTDA DG, Charts New Course for Tourism Sector

Published

1 week ago

September 24, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

As the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) enters its second year under the leadership of the Director-General, Mr. Ola Awakan, the focus will remain on building partnerships and converting Nigeria’s tourism assets into greater opportunities for investment and accelerated economic growth.

That simple message framed the one year scorecard presented on Wednesday by Mr. Awakan during NTDA Tourism Week 2026 and activities leading to World Tourism Day held in Abuja.

“Nigeria does not lack tourism assets,” Awakan said. “What is required is a system that connects these assets to investments, jobs, technology, enterprise and sustainable economic value.” He added.

Reeling out his scorecard, Awakan observed that over the past year, the Authority concentrated on stakeholder engagement, innovation, investment facilitation, digital transformation, destination marketing, tourism intelligence and institution building.

He explained that efforts have been made towards deeper collaboration with government institutions, traditional institutions, private-sector operators, development partners, financial institutions, professional bodies, communities and international partners.

On the digital front, the NTDA boss said the Authority has advanced NITOUREY, a dedicated tourism streaming platform and content ecosystem meant to take Nigerian destinations, culture and experiences to wider audiences, in alignment with this year’s World Tourism Day theme, “Digital agenda and artificial intelligence to redesign Tourism”.

He also identified Naija Flavour as a flagship project to position Nigerian cuisine as both a tourism asset and a tool for cultural diplomacy, linking tourism to Nollywood, music, fashion, food, festivals and digital creativity.

Speaking further, Awakan reiterated that the NTDA is also digitising tourism enterprise accreditation and regulatory processes while developing a grassroots tourism framework to identify, document and promote assets across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

Internationally, NTDA has expanded ties with tourism institutions, diplomatic missions, development partners and global organisations on technical cooperation, investment, destination marketing, capacity building, cultural diplomacy and market access.

The NTDA helmsman however recognised that challenges remain such as infrastructure gaps, weak tourism data, limited connectivity to some destinations, security concerns in certain locations, regulatory compliance shortfalls and the need for stronger private-sector participation.

Awakan remained positive looking ahead with his priorities including the mobilisation of more tourism investment, accelerating the development of viable assets, expanding domestic and international marketing through deeper digital transformation, strengthening regulation, increasing community participation, building capacity of tourism professionals and deepening partnerships with international tourism institutions.

The DG also announced plans for the expanded Naija Flavour International Tourism Expo to be unveiled in Abuja later this year making it the ultimate platform aimed at drawing international participation, investors and development partners into the sector.

While thanking President Bola Tinubu GCFR for giving him the opportunity to serve, he added that, “One year in office is not the destination. It is a checkpoint,” reiterating that the next phase would require stronger partnerships, greater investment and sustained institutional commitment.

Earlier, the Director of Marketing and Promotion of NTDA Mr. Olufemi Akinyele, said the milestone was being marked as part of NTDA Tourism Week, which began with a road walk and a guided tour of Abuja under the theme “Digital Vibes, Nigerian Pride: Celebrating Tourism, Culture and People.”

Government and industry representatives at the event congratulated the Director General and commended the Authority’s increased engagement with tourism stakeholders.

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