… Musawa, Senate Ali, others as speakers
Ahead of its forthcoming Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) 2026, the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has disclosed that the event this year will showcase the Federation’s push for investment, partnerships and development of the tourism sector.
This was made know by the President of the Federation, Dr Aliyu Ajayi Badaki at a media event organised in Abuja by the private sector operators-led organisation on its 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and ninth edition of NTIFE, with the AGM billed to hold on July 31, 2026 while NTIFE holds between July 30 and 31, 2026.
Both events will hold at Monoliza Sports and Recreational Centre, Garki, Abuja.
‘‘For over a decade, the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), through the Nigeria Tourism Investors’ Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE), has consistently championed tourism investment, policy dialogue, destination promotion, and public-private collaboration,’’ noted Badaki.
Speaking further on the journey of NTIFE, he said; ‘‘Since its inception in 2013, NTIFE has evolved from an investment forum into Nigeria’s foremost private-sector platform for tourism investment, policy engagement, and business development.’’
According to Badaki, NTIFE 2026 has been repacked and upgraded to reflect the Federation’s push to advance tourism cooperation, investment, cross-border and private/public sectors partnerships.
He said; ‘‘The Nigeria Tourism Investors’ Forum and Exhibition is no longer simply an annual event. It is becoming Nigeria’s premier implementation platform for tourism transformation.
‘‘The Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) has been repositioned as a broader regional investment platform through expanded stakeholder participation, integration with FTAN’s Annual General Meeting, and the inclusion of the COPITOUR Executive Meeting.’’
For this year’s event, Badaki disclosed; ‘‘NTIFE 2026 will convene policymakers, State Governments, investors, development partners, financial institutions, international organisations, tourism associations, airlines, hospitality businesses, and destination managers to move beyond dialogue and toward practical commitments.’’
On the deliverables of NTIFE 2026; ‘‘The expected outcomes include: Stronger Public-Private Partnerships; Increased tourism investment commitments; Enhanced State tourism collaboration; Improved policy coordination; Destination promotion and investment showcases; Regional tourism cooperation across ECOWAS; and; and A coordinated national framework for implementing the Tourism Transformation Mandate,’’ revealed the Federation’s President.
To this end, he called for greater private sector participation in developing Nigeria’s tourism industry, saying investment in the sector should not be limited to wealthy individuals or multinational corporations.
Stating; ‘‘NTIFE 2026 is providing an unprecedented platform for regional cooperation, investment promotion and cross-border tourism partnerships.
‘‘Nigeria requires stronger investment platforms capable of attracting investors, development partners, state governments and tourism businesses.’’
He charged all operators and government officials to; ‘‘Be part of Nigeria’s foremost tourism investment gathering as industry leaders, policymakers, investors, development partners, and tourism stakeholders converge to shape the future of the sector.’’
The theme of NTIFE is; Tourism Transformation Through Collaboration, Policy Alignment and Investment. Badaki further noted; ‘‘This is more than an event, it’s a platform for strategic partnerships, innovative ideas, business opportunities, exhibitions and sustainable investment that will redefine Nigeria’s tourism industry.’’
Headlining the Forum is the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, who is the Chief Hostess while Senator Ibrahim Ida, an entrepreneur, hotelier, lawyer, and Chairman of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and also the Waziri of Katsina, and proprietor of Bristol Palace Hotel Group, will deliver the keynote address.
A roundtable session with state commissioners for tourism to identify tourism destinations with strong investment potential and discuss strategies for their development and promotion will form part of investment discourse at the two days gathering.
Day one panel session will be moderated by Mrs Justina Ovat, with Dr. Ola Awakan – DG, NTDA; Aare Fagade – DG, NIHOTOUR, Dr. Badaki Aliyu – President, FTAN; Lolo Ngozi Ngoka, Managing Consultant, Zigona Advisory; and Mr. Lanre Balogun.
Tourism Minister, Musawa will present a lead paper on; Building a National Tourism Architecture for Nigeria.
Day two panel session will be moderated by Ikechi Uko, with Dr. Gabe Onah, Calabar Carnival Promoter; Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare; Mrs. Nenadi, FCT Tourism Director; and Babatunde Hunpe, Executive Chairman, Badagry LGA.
Uko will present a lead paper on; Harnessing Tourism for Economic Growth: State Policies, Infrastructure, and Destination Development.
‘‘It is a time to: Connect. Collaborate. Invest. Transform Tourism.’’