The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has intensified efforts to position Nigeria as a leading global destination, with a renewed focus on boosting inbound tourism and attracting international visitors.
Director-General of the Authority, Ola Awakan, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the maiden National Hospitality and Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum themed “Shaping the Future of Nigerian Tourism Together.”
Awakan said the NTDA is repositioning itself as the country’s chief tourism marketing agency, with deliberate strategies aimed at increasing foreign tourist arrivals and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global tourism market.
According to him, Nigeria’s vast eco-tourism assets, rich cultural heritage, and globally recognised creative industry provide a strong foundation to attract international travellers.
“We are focused on expanding inbound tourism and positioning it as a viable export sector capable of generating foreign exchange earnings for the country,” he said.
He noted that the Authority would leverage storytelling and strategic marketing campaigns to reshape global perceptions about Nigeria, projecting authentic narratives that reflect the country’s diversity and cultural richness.
Awakan also advocated for a more visa-friendly regime, stressing that simplified entry processes are critical to encouraging travel, boosting investor confidence, and improving Nigeria’s global tourism ranking.
“As a nation, we must make it easier for people to visit. A seamless visa process is key to unlocking inbound tourism potential,” he added.
The NTDA boss further revealed plans to deploy digital platforms that will showcase Nigeria’s tourism offerings, integrate booking systems, and provide seamless access to information for prospective visitors.
He identified Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism as a strategic segment that could significantly drive international traffic into the country, noting that business tourism remains a major contributor to global travel flows.
Awakan also highlighted the proposed “Naija Flavour Marketplace” as a key initiative that would connect local service providers to global audiences, improve visibility for tourism operators, and enhance visitor experience.
In addition, he disclosed plans for the development of an international Tourism City, envisioned as a one-stop destination that integrates culture, entertainment, hospitality, and commerce.
He said the project would serve as a flagship attraction capable of drawing tourists from across the world while showcasing Nigeria’s identity in a modern and immersive way.
Awakan acknowledged that challenges such as infrastructure gaps, weak coordination, and limited global visibility have hindered the sector, but expressed confidence that ongoing reforms and stakeholder collaboration would address these issues.
He emphasised that partnerships with the private sector, sub-national governments, and industry bodies such as the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) would be critical to achieving sustained growth.
“The future of Nigerian tourism lies in our ability to work together to build a sector that is globally competitive, investment-friendly, and attractive to visitors,” he said.
He added that the stakeholders’ forum would serve as a continuous platform for engagement, policy alignment, and collective action to drive tourism development.
Awakan expressed optimism that with the right policies and sustained commitment, inbound tourism would emerge as a major driver of economic growth, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria.
2026-03-31