Culture and Tourism

FG To Create, Promote Nigeria’s Tourism Products In The Diaspora And Home

Published

3 years ago

September 27, 2023

Joel Ajayi

In recognition of this year’s World Tourism Day, The Honorable Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John has said that the Federal Government is set to create, and promote Nigeria’s tourism products in the diaspora and at home.

Speaking at the Abuja 2023 World Tourism Day with the theme; ‘Tourism and Green Investment, the Minister stated that the tourism “products are vast, plentiful and core to revenue generation for the country”.

She added that there is an opportunity to reflect on ways to enhance the contribution of tourism in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015.

According to the Minister, taking tourism to the community level, and showcasing the hidden gems of the villages in all regions of our picturesque and diverse country, is the essence of creating sustainable tourism in Nigeria.

Lola Ade-John identified the key points for the growth and development of tourism in Nigeria as; community Empowerment, collaboration and partnerships, sustainable Tourism Development, Investment in Renewable Energy, and Digital transformation. According to her, all these have a transformative power and hold immense potential for our nation.

The Minister reiterated that tourism products require adequate publicity development, maintenance, and promotion.

She remarked that there are numerous challenges that plagued the industry but the government will gradually, speedily, and successfully overcome these challenges with guidance, support, and collaboration of all stakeholders.

Speaking earlier at the event, the United Nation’s world tourism secretary-general, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, said that tourism is a pillar of our economies. It plays a central role in our societies and in our individual lives. According to the UN Secretary, tourism offers solutions to some of our biggest challenges including the climate emergency and the urgent need to shift to more sustainable economies.

Mr. Zurab further said that the power of tourism is enormous. He remarked that tourism will be made easier for investors of all kinds to support tourism projects with the potential to make a difference.

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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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