Culture and Tourism

NTDA, FTAN Forge Partnership on Tourism Transformation Mandate

Published

1 year 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

CAFA Targets $500bn Fashion Economy At Canex Wknd 2026

Published

2 weeks ago

November 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Confederation of African Fashion (CAFA) will present its roadmap to grow Africa’s fashion economy from an estimated $30 billion to $500 billion at CANEX WKND 2026 in Lagos.

Marking its first anniversary on November 5, CAFA will unveil a joint stand with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, formerly the National Arts Theatre, on November 5, 2026.

CAFA President, Aare (Prof.) Lai Labode, said the institution works with African governments to align sourcing, production, trade and intellectual property policies, ensuring African creativity generates greater value for African businesses and communities.

Nigeria became the first country to sign the African Fashion Industry Growth Charter on November 5, 2025, when the Honourable Minister Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa signed on behalf of the Federal Government.

Speaking ahead of the unveiling, Minister Musawa said: “Afroliganza seeks to build a structured, values-driven fashion economy rooted in African heritage, led by African institutions, and positioned for global impact.”

On employment potential, the minister emphasized that Investment in fashion will create millions of jobs, particularly for women and youth.

Registered in Rwanda, with an office in Kigali and a desk at the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, CAFA is also working with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs towards African Union adoption of the Charter. Rwanda is progressing towards becoming its second participating country and the first in East Africa.

Its first year saw fifty nations gather at the Egbaliganza-Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta and a signed MoU with Türkiye’s ASRIAD.

CAFA’s programmes promote processing African raw materials into finished apparel locally. ‘Own What We Create’ addresses intellectual property protection, while the CAFA Certified Seal and CAFA Heritage Mark support standards and authenticity. African Global Fashion Houses are currently being established across international markets.

The African Global Fashion Games will debut in Nigeria in 2028, bringing designers together under national colours. Held every three years, the Games will alternate between African and international hosts, combining competition with investor meetings, deal signings and policy discussions. Its Instant Craft event gives competing nations identical materials and a fixed clock, placing skill at the centre of the contest.

CAFA is inviting creatives, fashion designers, artisans, diplomats, economists, investors and policymakers to its CANEX stand. Visitors can explore the roadmap, ask questions and identify opportunities to contribute through design, manufacturing, investment, research, trade and international partnerships. The stand will be open daily from November 5 to 8.

CAFA calls on the African Union to adopt the Charter, and governments to sign the Games Register and form national teams.

“Fashion has always told the world who Africa is. Now Africa will decide what fashion pays,” Aare Prof. Lai Labode said.

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