The Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) will mark its 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) with the inauguration of its first national secretariat as part of efforts to strengthen the tourism sector and promote sustainable destination development in Nigeria.
NATOP President, Hajia Bolaji Mustapha, disclosed this during a press conference in Lagos, saying the anniversary event would bring together tourism practitioners, government officials, investors, hospitality operators, and development partners to discuss the future of the industry.
The AGM, scheduled for July 8 to 10, 2026, will begin with the commissioning of the new secretariat on July 8, while the main conference and AGM will hold on July 9. The programme will also feature a Lagos city tour, business retreat, and golf tournament.
According to Mustapha, the event, themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Tourism Potential: Strengthening Tour Pillars for Sustainable Destination Development,” will provide an avenue to assess NATOP’s achievements in the last decade and develop strategies for advancing tourism growth.
She explained that although NATOP traditionally rotates its AGM among states with tourism potential, the 2026 edition was brought back to Lagos due to the state’s strategic importance as Nigeria’s commercial and tourism hub.
Mustapha said NATOP had over the years used its AGM as a platform to showcase tourism destinations across the country, with previous editions held in states including Kwara, Ekiti, Plateau, and Imo.
She also highlighted the association’s collaboration with the Lagos State Government in promoting tourism initiatives, supporting local businesses, and participating in international tourism events such as the World Travel Market in London and the African Marketplace in Dubai.
Representing the Lagos State Government, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, described Lagos as Nigeria’s tourism capital, stressing the state’s commitment to growing the sector.
She said the state’s cultural heritage, entertainment industry, hospitality sector, cuisine, festivals, and creative economy remained key attractions for visitors.
“We are sitting on gold in the tourism sector. We must continue to promote our culture, heritage, food, environment, and everything that represents us as Nigerians,” Oyekan-Ismaila said.
Chairman of the AGM Planning Committee, Mrs. Joy Alexander-Oziegbe, said the event would showcase the positive developments within Nigeria’s tourism industry and help change negative perceptions about the country.
She noted that tourism had the capacity to generate revenue, create jobs, and attract investment if properly harnessed.
Meanwhile, NATOP Secretariat Project Manager, Mr. Uche Chinonso, said the new three-bedroom secretariat would provide a permanent operational base for the association after years of operating without a dedicated office.
He added that the facility would offer office spaces, meeting venues, and workstations for tourism practitioners while improving the association’s efficiency and visibility.
NATOP said the 10th Anniversary AGM would reinforce its position as a leading voice in Nigeria’s tourism industry and promote partnerships aimed at driving investment, innovation, and sustainable tourism development.