Culture and Tourism

NTDA, FTAN Forge Partnership on Tourism Transformation Mandate

Published

3 months ago

August 19, 2025

The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) in driving the newly introduced Tourism Transformation Mandate. This commitment was made today at the NTDA headquarters in Abuja when the new FTAN executive council, elected on July 31, 2025 paid a courtesy visit to the Authority.

Speaking during the visit, the FTAN President, Dr. Aliyu Badaki appreciated NTDA for its consistent support to the Federation. He reaffirmed FTAN’s role as the coordinating body of tourism businesses in Nigeria, stressing the need for closer collaboration. He further recalled FTAN’s contributions during the passage of the NTDA Act, highlighting that the Federation had raised key observations and provided recommendations. “We are here for support and clarity to avoid unnecessary rancor in the sector,” he said.

The President noted that the Federation’s new Tourism Transformation Mandate will reposition the private sector for growth and innovation. “Once launched, NTDA will be carried along, and we urge the Authority to be part of it,” he added.

FTAN’s First Deputy President, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, explained that the mandate is aimed at making a lasting impact in the industry. She appealed to NTDA’s Tourism Projects and Investment Department to work closely with FTAN in mobilizing tourism investment. She also called for government support to secure a befitting secretariat for the Federation, describing it as critical to its national and international engagements. Additionally, she advocated for stronger synergy between NTDA zonal offices and FTAN’s zonal vice presidents to move the sector forward.

Commenting, FTAN’s Treasurer, Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha, commended NTDA for its unwavering support especially in making referrals that help regulate and strengthen the industry.

In his response, the Director overseeing the Office of the Director General, NTDA, Mr. Ovie Richard Esewhaye, congratulated FTAN on its peaceful elections and stressed the need for diversification. “This is the time for us to diversify away from oil. At NTDA, we are emphasizing Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) as a means of funding tourism projects,” he said. He encouraged FTAN to submit its formal recommendations on the NTDA Act for review. He also highlighted the importance of strict compliance with legally defined operational mandates of MDAs. “Adhering to these regulations is critical to avoid overlap of duty and to ensure sustainable growth in the tourism eco-system”, he said.

The Director of Special Duties, NTDA, Mr. F.O. Anumba, also commended FTAN, particularly NANTA, for ensuring Nigeria’s representation at the World Travel Market, in the past despite financial challenges.

The visit ended with the decoration of the FTAN President as a Tourism Ambassador of Nigeria, as well as the exchange of souvenirs between both organizations.

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Creative Industry

Musawa Highlights Art and Culture as Drivers of Public Sector Excellence at Legislative Mentorship Session

Published

3 days ago

November 28, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., has emphasized the importance of integrating art and culture into public-sector excellence in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the SA Media & Publicity, Office of the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Nneka Ikem Anibeze, Phd.

Musawa made this known while addressing trainees at the 4th Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI), held at the National Institute For Legislative and Democratic Studies, Abuja on Thursday.

Themed ‘Building the next generation of Public Sector Leaders’, Minister Musawa highlighted art and culture as essential tools for national cohesion and identity, economic development and job creation, innovation and civic engagement, sustainable development, and projecting Nigeria’s soft power and global identity.

She noted that Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage is a unifying force that binds different ethnicities and elaborated on how Art and Culture is key to public-sector excellence in Nigeria.

“First, embracing and promoting art and culture helps to forge national cohesion and shared identity among Nigeria’s diverse populations. Integrating culture into public policy and governance transforms the creative and cultural sectors into engines of economic development, job creation and diversification. Cultural industries including crafts, music, film, design, heritage tourism can generate livelihoods, attract investment, expand exports, and reduce overreliance on a narrow set of economic activities.

“A society that values creativity and cultural expression tends to produce more resourceful citizens, fosters cross-cultural dialogue, and encourages public servants to be more adaptive, empathetic, and culturally aware while prioritizing culture and creative economy in public policy through frameworks, institutions, and infrastructure, demonstrates long-term vision and commitment to sustainable development,” Musawa said.

The Minister called for supportive policies, enabling legislation, and sustained commitment to fulfill this vision, including laws that protect intellectual property, incentivize investment in creative infrastructure, and integrate arts and culture into education and community development.

“Embedding art and culture at the heart of governance and public-sector planning is not a luxury, it is a necessity. It builds unity, drives economic growth, fosters innovation, strengthens institutions, and ensures that development respects and reflects the soul of the nation,” she emphasized.

Musawa thanked the founder of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI), Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his inspiring vision and unwavering commitment to cultivating Nigeria’s future public-service leaders.

Other speakers at the Legislative Mentorship Initiative include the Director General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization Aisha Augie, Nigerian photo-journalist and documentary photographer Bayo Omoboriowo, Amb. Dapo Oyewole, Secretary-General Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures amongst others.

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