Creative Industry
Experts Urge Collaborative Training and Investment to Propel Nigeria’s Tourism and Transportation Industry at NTTSummit 2025
Joel Ajayi
The 8th edition of the National Tourism Transportation Summit and Expo has concluded in Abuja with a strong call for the integration of entrepreneurship development, skills acquisition and capacity-building programmes into the national policy framework for the tourism and transportation sectors.
According to the communique issued at the end of the two-day summit, stakeholders emphasized that such initiatives are essential for empowering youth and women, equipping them with the practical skills required to enter the industry, and stimulating investment through effective collaboration among training and capacity-development institutions. This, they noted, is critical for advancing the growth of Nigeria’s travel, tourism, hospitality and transportation sectors.
The communique further highlighted the need for strengthened cooperation among key public and private sector players, including the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), certification bodies, and leading training institutions such as NIHOTOUR and NCAT.
This collaboration, stakeholders said, is vital for enhancing service quality and aligning operations with global best practices.Participants also underscored the importance of standardizing operational guidelines across the tourism and transportation value chain, increasing investment in transportation infrastructure, and developing tourist destinations through public-private partnerships built on strong synergistic frameworks.
On tourism development, the summit stressed the need for a renewed focus on community-based tourism at the grassroots level, where most of Nigeria’s tourism wealth is located. It urged the federal and state governments to work closely with local governments and community leaders to upgrade tourist sites, strengthen heritage management and empower local stakeholders to drive tourism business sustainably.
The communique also called for the revitalization of Local Government Tourism Committees to ensure inclusive participation in tourism activities. It emphasized the importance of developing quality infrastructure—especially transportation, described as the “lifeline of the industry”—to enhance the tourism value chain, stimulate local economies, and promote cultural preservation and national heritage.
The resolutions emerged from expert presentations and panel discussions aligned with the Summit’s theme: “Tourism–Transportation Connectivity: Accelerating Synergy for National Socio-Economic Growth and Development.”
Speakers addressed key sub-themes including:Standards and Policies for Sustainable Tourism and Transportation DevelopmentDriving Economic Growth through Private Sector ParticipationDestination Development and Human Capital Capacity Building.
Community-Based and Inclusive Tourism for Social Integration and EmpowermentUnlocking Investment Opportunities in Tourism Transport Corridors
Sustainable Marine Resource Management for Blue Economy Growth.
Participating organizations and agencies that presented papers at NTTSummit 2025 included: the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), National College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), and the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIoTA), among others.
Creative Industry
NTDA Moves to Transform Gelede Festival into a National Cultural Event with Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom
Cyril Ogar
The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Ola Awakan paid a courtesy visit to the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Yaba as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration for cultural tourism development.
The delegation was received by His Royal Majesty, Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeshina Adeniyi (Maforunyomi I), the Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Yaba; Olori Mosunmola Anike Adeniyi; the Bales of the kingdom; and members of the White Cap Chiefs. The visit commenced with a vibrant cultural procession by the revered Gelede Masquerades, showcasing the rich heritage of the community.
Addressing the Director-General, the monarch applauded him for honouring the invitation and commended his efforts in leveraging his office to drive innovation within Nigeria’s tourism sector.
The monarch applauds the NTDA Boss for his initiatives towards repositioning the country’s cultural heritage on a global stage.
Oba Adeniyi further expressed his interest in fostering a strategic partnership between the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom and the NTDA, emphasizing the community’s readiness to actively participate in ongoing efforts to develop and promote tourism across the country.
He highlighted key cultural assets within the kingdom, including the Gelede Masquerades; an important cultural symbol associated with fertility and childbirth; and two ancient iroko trees within the community, each over 250 years old.
In response, the DG appreciated the traditional ruler for the invitation, honour, and warm reception, stating that the visit was not only culturally enriching but also strategically important to the Authority’s mandate.
He continued by emphasizing the role traditional institutions play in advancing Nigeria’s tourism sector.
He stated that effective storytelling is essential to unlocking the value of cultural heritage, explaining that documenting and sharing the stories behind cultural elements such as the Gelede Masquerades and the ancient iroko trees would enhance their appeal to both local and international tourists.
The NTDA DG further proposed featuring Igbobi-Sabe’s tourism assets in the ongoing NITOUREY Project, the first-ever tourism dedicated streaming platform in Africa aimed towards showcasing Nigeria’s rich and vibrant tourism assets to the world.
The meeting proceeded with a guided tour of one of the iroko tree sites located in Abule Ijesa, Yaba, where the Director-General observed that the site holds significant potential for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
He encouraged the traditional ruler to work closely with the NTDA in developing initiatives that would revitalize the historic landmarks, positioning them as prominent symbols of Nigeria’s cultural tourism.
The Director-General received royal blessings from the Monatch who wished him wisdom and success in his tenure, while expressing confidence in his leadership and vision.
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