The House of Representatives Committee on Delegated Legislation has pledged stronger legislative backing for Nigeria’s tourism sector, as part of efforts to enhance economic diversification and sustainable development.
The Chairman of the Committee, Rt. Hon. Richard Olufemi Bamisile, PhD, gave the assurance during a familiarisation visit to the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), describing tourism as a vital driver of economic growth, job creation and national image-building.
Bamisile said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the legislature and the Authority, rather than fault-finding, noting that the Committee is statutorily mandated to oversee regulations, guidelines and statutory instruments issued by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
According to him, the Committee ensures that delegated legislation aligns with the intent of primary laws, promotes good governance and does not impose unnecessary burdens on citizens.
“Tourism is not merely about leisure; it is a powerful catalyst for economic growth, social cohesion and international diplomacy. It tells our story, shapes our image and unlocks opportunities across the nation,” Bamisile said.
He explained that the Committee sought first-hand insight into the operational framework, achievements and challenges of the NTDA, while also examining existing tourism regulations and their interaction with broader legislative provisions.
The lawmaker assured the Authority of the National Assembly’s readiness to support the review of obsolete regulations, advocate improved budgetary allocations and strengthen legislative frameworks for the protection of Nigeria’s tourism assets, heritage sites and intellectual property.
In his response, the Director-General of NTDA, Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, thanked the Committee for the visit, stressing that legislation remains fundamental to the Authority’s mandate.
“The success of NTDA cannot be written without legislation. It is the foundation upon which our mandate to regulate, develop and promote tourism in Nigeria rests,” Awakan said.
He described Nigeria as richly endowed with cultural, traditional and natural tourism assets, aligning the Authority’s work with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda and the promotion of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
Awakan identified key challenges in the implementation of the NTDA Act, particularly issues of coordination within the tourism governance framework and evolving judicial interpretations on asset control at sub-national levels.
He referenced a Supreme Court judgment that places tourism assets under state jurisdiction, adding that ongoing efforts by the National Assembly to move tourism from the residual list to the concurrent list would enhance collaboration, clarify policy direction and promote balanced tourism development nationwide.
The NTDA Director-General disclosed that since assuming office in October 2025, the Authority has intensified partnerships with sister agencies, states and the private sector, recognizing tourism as a private sector-driven industry.
He cited collaborations with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to digitize airport tourism information desks, engagements with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote Nigeria’s destinations through foreign missions, and partnerships with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to strengthen tourism visibility at airports.
Awakan also revealed ongoing partnerships with states including Katsina, Nasarawa and Niger, while noting that funding remains a major challenge, despite global evidence that strategic investment in tourism yields significant economic returns.
He highlighted initiatives such as the inauguration of a public-private sector committee to coordinate Nigeria’s participation in international tourism expos and the launch of the Naija Flavour Project in December 2025, aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s food, arts, fashion, music and cultural identity globally.
While acknowledging that the NTDA Act of 2022 is still undergoing activation and refinement, Awakan expressed optimism that sustained legislative support would address existing gaps.
The visit concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to continued dialogue and collaboration to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s tourism sector for economic growth and national pride..
2026-02-05