Tourism stakeholders have called for stronger collaboration, policy reforms, investment and effective regulation to accelerate the growth and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s tourism sector.
The stakeholders made the call at the ninth Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) held on Thursday in Abuja.
The theme of the two-day event was “Tourism Transformation Through Collaboration, Policy Alignment and Investment.”
The forum brought together policymakers, investors, tourism operators, development partners and other stakeholders.
In his welcome remarks, the President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Dr Aliyu Badaki, said transforming Nigeria’s tourism industry required deliberate collaboration, supportive policies and sustained investment.
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Badaki said the federation had developed the Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM), a roadmap designed to unite every segment of the tourism value chain under a common vision for sustainable growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s tourism sector required urgent restructuring, noting that fragmented efforts and weak coordination had slowed its development for years.
“We respectfully call on the Federal Government to urgently review existing tourism-related laws and regulatory frameworks that continue to create duplication, institutional conflicts, unnecessary litigation and operational uncertainty for businesses. Nigeria’s tourism industry requires clarity rather than conflicts, coordination rather than competition among institutions, and regulation that enables growth rather than inhibits it,” he said.
Badaki commended ongoing reforms by the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy and pledged FTAN’s support towards strengthening the sector.
Declaring the forum open, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described tourism as a strategic pillar for economic diversification and inclusive prosperity.
According to her, Nigeria possesses abundant tourism assets, but achieving sustainable growth requires purposeful leadership, sound policies and stronger partnerships.
“Transformation requires deliberate collaboration. Transformation requires sound policies, and it requires investment. Government alone cannot finance tourism transformation. Private capital remains indispensable. Our responsibility is to create an enabling environment where investors can thrive with confidence,” she said.
Musawa urged participants to move beyond dialogue by building practical partnerships, attracting bankable investments and delivering measurable outcomes for the sector.
In his keynote address, Senator Ibrahim Ida said the theme of the event underscored the urgent need to reposition tourism as a major driver of Nigeria’s economy.
He called for stronger collaboration among governments, the private sector and host communities, alongside policy reforms and increased investment.
According to him, tourism can create jobs, earn foreign exchange and accelerate economic diversification.
The forum featured panel sessions moderated by Mrs Justina Ovat, Founder of Calabar Hospitality House Limited (CHH).
During one of the sessions, the Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Dr Ola Awakan, emphasised the need for policy consistency, investor-friendly incentives and stronger infrastructure.
He said tourism should become a national economic priority to attract investment and drive growth.
The Director of General Services at the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr Philip Maga, stressed the need to strengthen workforce development and professional standards to address skills gaps in Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Maga, who represented the Director-General of NIHOTOUR, Dr Aare Fagade, said Nigeria must improve professional training, curriculum development and service standards to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting the sector’s expansion.
Also speaking, hospitality entrepreneur Mr Lanre Balogun urged investors to prioritise effective leadership, financial discipline and long-term planning.
According to him, sustainable returns depend on understanding the tourism market and operating environment.
The event also featured exhibitions and the exchange of commemorative gifts aimed at strengthening partnerships and promoting sustainable growth across Nigeria’s tourism value chain.
NAN
