…investments to build competitive, sustainable tourism
This year’s Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) 2026, organised by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), concluded on a celebratory note, with the stakeholders; both from the public and private sectors, resolving to work closely together to unlock the potential of the Nigerian tourism sector.
This, according to the communique issued at the end of the two days Forum, the stakeholders pledged to achieve through advancing reforms in policies, investments, and institutional reforms as well as restructuring that will advance a competitive, sustainable, and globally respected tourism industry capable of contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic diversification and national development.
The Forum, which was the ninth edition of the annual investment and expo platform staged by Federation, which is the umbrella body for tourism operators in the private sector, was held in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, with the theme: Tourism Transformation Through Collaboration, Policy Alignment and Investment.
The Forum brought together government officials, policymakers, tourism investors, industry practitioners, development partners, and other stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for transforming Nigeria’s tourism sector into a globally competitive and economically viable industry.
The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, was the chief host and spoke on the topic; Building a National Tourism Architecture for Nigeria.
While Senator Ibrahim Ida, a former Permanent Secretary at the federal government level; Waziri of Katsina State and proprietor of Bristol Palace Hotel Group as well as the Chancellor of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina, was the keynote speaker.
He spoke on the theme of the Forum, offering an enriching, refreshing insight into the tourism sector and offered a number of recommendations for developing and promoting the sector.
The stakeholders in the communique among others; reaffirmed that tourism remains a strategic sector capable of driving sustainable economic growth, creating millions of jobs, attracting local and foreign investment, generating foreign exchange earnings, and enhancing Nigeria’s global image in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda:
Commendation of the Federal Ministry of Tourism for its commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s tourism industry through deliberate and strategic interventions, particularly in strengthening the policy and regulatory environment, deepening collaboration with state governments, expanding international partnerships, and promoting domestic tourism:
Acknowledged the Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM) of FTAN as a timely and strategic framework for uniting all segments of the tourism ecosystem under a common vision of growth, collaboration, and shared prosperity:
Agreed that stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to eliminate duplication, improve coordination, and maximise the immense opportunities within Nigeria’s tourism value chain:
Commended FTAN’s continuous efforts in promoting dialogue among member associations, strengthening industry relationships, engaging governments at all levels, and serving as the collective voice of Nigeria’s private tourism sector:
Agreed that effective policy alignment is fundamental to achieving meaningful tourism transformation and attracting sustainable investment into the sector:
Resolved that the current National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Act, 2022, and the NIHOTOUR Regulations, 2025, have become major impediments to the growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of Nigeria’s tourism industry:
The Forum called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to return the legislation to the National Assembly for comprehensive review and repeal of the contentious provisions, so that a new legal framework that aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, global best practices, and the aspirations of industry operators can be enacted:
The Forum stressed that a modern, inclusive, and investment-friendly legal and regulatory framework is indispensable for unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s tourism sector and positioning the country as a preferred tourism and investment destination in Africa:
Reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration, policy advocacy, investment promotion, and strategic partnerships that will accelerate the transformation of Nigeria’s tourism industry for national economic development.