The Director-General of NTDA, Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, has expressed enthusiasm for engaging stakeholders on tourism development, noting that he is always excited to discuss the vast opportunities within the sector.
Dr. Awakan made the statement when he received the leadership of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Jos, alongside participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48, at the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
As part of the visit, the Director-General delivered a presentation titled: “Orange Economy and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Growth in Nigeria: The NTDA Perspective.”
The lecture highlighted the strategic role of tourism within the Orange Economy, emphasizing its capacity to drive innovation, create jobs, promote cultural heritage, and contribute significantly to national economic diversification and sustainable development.
Following the presentation, the delegation, led by Professor Musa Emmanuel Umar, commended the Director-General for his visionary leadership and impactful initiatives within the tourism sector.
“You are not just a political appointee but a practitioner in your own right. We consider NTDA a critical actor in this industry,” Professor Umar noted.
He further emphasized the readiness of NIPSS to collaborate with NTDA in addressing sectoral challenges and developing actionable policy recommendations aimed at promoting Nigeria’s tourism potential on the global stage.
The interactive session underscored the importance of strategic partnerships between policy institutions and implementing agencies. It also highlighted the shared commitment of both NIPSS and NTDA to strengthening tourism development through informed policy formulation, institutional collaboration, and sustainable initiatives.
The visit marks a significant step toward fostering synergy between both institutions in advancing Nigeria’s tourism agenda.