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

NTDA, LEXLUC Sign MoU to Unlock Nigeria’s Domestic Tourism Potential

Published

10 hours ago

October 23, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LEXLUC Global Services and Tours Ltd. to promote domestic tourism, cultural heritage and destination awareness across Nigeria.

The agreement establishes a framework for implementing and expanding the Meet My Town, Know My State tourism initiative, which aims to encourage Nigerians to explore destinations within the country, learn about their cultural heritage and support greater community participation in tourism.

Speaking at the signing, Chief Executive Officer of LEXLUC Global Services and Tours Ltd., Mr Oluwole Ajayi, said the initiative was developed to help Nigeria harness its tourism potential, attract investment and create more opportunities within the sector.

“Tourism is number one employer worldwide. Whether we like it or not, we have to key into it and make sure it becomes the number one employer in Nigeria, too,” Ajayi said.

He also referenced plans for a proposed West African Jollof Rice Championship and Tourism Festival, which he said could complement the initiative’s broader objectives. The proposed event is expected to form part of future tourism activities, subject to the necessary planning and approvals.

Ajayi expressed confidence that the collaboration with NTDA would help advance the initiative and attract investors to Nigeria’s tourism industry.

Director-General of NTDA, Mr Ola Awakan, said the partnership alignes with the authority’s mandate to promote and develop tourism, noting that collaboration with the private sector was important to the sector’s growth.

“It’s a laudable project. We are going to give you national and institutional backing. You are also helping us achieve our mandate, and we are helping you to bring your idea to fruition. So, it is a win-win situation. All of this is in the interest of Nigeria,” Awakan said.

He commended Ajayi for sustaining the initiative and reaffirmed NTDA’s commitment to supporting its objectives within the authority’s mandate.

The Meet My Town, Know My State initiative is designed to raise awareness of Nigeria’s destinations, promote cultural heritage and encourage domestic travel. Its activities may include organised tours, tourism education, awareness campaigns, events and stakeholder engagements across the country.

Under the MoU, LEXLUC will coordinate and implement approved activities, develop tourism packages, mobilise sponsorship and partnerships, and report on progress. NTDA will provide relevant tourism information, institutional coordination, policy guidance and support for stakeholder engagement, subject to its mandate and applicable approval processes.

The signing was coordinated by Head of Legal Services at NTDA, Olufunke Soleye, and Head of Legal at LEXLUC, Mary Oluwatoyin Noibi-Edoze. Director of the Marketing and Promotions Department at NTDA, Mr Olufemi Akinyele, was also present alongside staff members of the department.

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two organisations to expand awareness of Nigeria’s tourism offerings and encourage greater participation in domestic tourism.

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