Culture and Tourism
NTDA, FTAN Forge Partnership on Tourism Transformation Mandate
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.
Culture and Tourism
Awakan Marks First Anniversary as NTDA DG, Charts New Course for Tourism Sector
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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