Culture and Tourism

FTAN Pledges Support for Nigerian Tourism Development Authority

Published

3 years ago

June 19, 2023

Joel Ajayi

The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has pledged its support for the new law establishing Nigerian Tourism Development Authority(NTDA).

The Association led by its President Mr. Nkereuwem Onung during a visit to theAgency at its headquarters in Abuja over the weekend asked for cooperation with the private sector in implementing the new law.

The President in his opening speech said FTAN had on signing of the law set up a committee which reviewed the law noting the conflicts, cooperation, collaboration and partnership therein. On conviction that the benefits of the new law in ensuring a uniform Tourism Policy in the country far outweighs conflicts that may arise therein sued for greater Public Private Partnership in implementation of the law.

Welcoming the Association, the Director General, Nigerian Tourism DevelopmentAuthority, Chief Folorunsho Coker said the Agency will be working with theprivate sector on the “best from the law until we get a better one”.

He also said that with the prevailing peace between government and private sector, the Association should focus on what suits it in the new law stressing that we canonly succeed in a “spirit of cooperation”.

Also the communique issued at the end of the meeting resolved to do the following: that ” FTAN and NTDA is to cooperate, collaborate and partner in forging the way forward for Tourism in Nigeria governed by the new law. Also more consultations and collaboration guaranteed going forward.

“The Need for greater Public Private Participation in the implementation of the Tourism Policies in Nigeria.

“Role of the Commissioners of Tourism in the States to be incorporatedthrough engagements with them.

“The Stakeholders meeting to be organized for the purpose of implementation ofthe new law.

“FTAN to ensure MDAs within the Tourism Sector stick to their mandates to grow Tourism.

“It is difficult for any state to run Tourism independent of the Federal government.

“Presently, revenue accruing to the country from Tourism via taxes are not yet accessible to the industry practitioners and this will be corrected by the new law.

“The need for FTAN to speak with one voice, also, FTAN to adopt technology in Tourism.

“As NTDA will be willing and ready to champion FTAN issues.”

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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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