Lagos— The Nigeria Association of Nigeria Tour Operators (NATOP) has unveiled its first-ever National Secretariat as a new chapter for Nigeria’s tour operating industry and a strategic step toward strengthening domestic tourism, promoting professionalism and expanding collaboration across the sector.
The secretariat, located at 13, Osho Street, Opebi Link Bridge, Ikeja, Lagos, was officially inaugurated on Wednesday ahead of NATOP’s 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled to hold from July 8 to July 12, 2026.
The facility provides members with workstations, meeting spaces, a conference room and an integrated tourism experience centre designed to support business, networking and leisure.
Speaking at the unveiling, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, described the secretariat as an innovative space that would encourage more residents and visitors to experience tourism within Lagos.
“It’s going to help promote domestic tourism and community tourism a lot,” she said.
According to her, the facility combines wellness, culinary and business experiences under one roof, making it attractive for people seeking relaxation without leaving the city.
“When you’re busy or you feel stressed, come and de-stress here.
“It’s a place to be. I’m really very happy to be here. It’s so lovely. Fantastic idea.”
NATOP President, Mrs.Bolaji Mustapha, said the unveiling marked a historic achievement for the association, which is establishing a national secretariat for the first time since its inception.
“This is the first time in history that NATOP is having a secretariat.
“The essence is for us to be visible so that they know where to locate us.
“We need a location and I pray that by the grace of God we have our own permanent site where we’ll be located but this is the beginning,” she said.
Mustapha explained that beyond serving as the association’s operational base, the facility would provide members with workstations for business activities, private meeting lounges and a conference room that could be rented for meetings and events.
She said the initiative would also generate income to support NATOP’s activities while enhancing tourism promotion through the experience centre.
She said the secretariat would also help tackle quackery within the tour operating business by promoting professionalism and encouraging practitioners to acquire the necessary training.
“When NATOP is visible, other quacks will no longer have any option than to fall in line, do their business professionally.
“NATOP is strictly for professionals, that’s why we’re positioning ourselves to say come on, let’s train you to be a professional, and clients should actually align to deal with professionals only.”
Looking ahead, Mustapha said the association would deepen partnerships with foreign embassies to help identify genuine tour operators, while also working more closely with federal and state governments to develop tourism sites across Nigeria.
She added that NATOP remained committed to establishing a larger permanent headquarters that could host visitors and support more industry activities.
NATOP Board of Trustees Chairman, Mr Nkereuwem Onung, described the opening of the secretariat as a defining moment in the association’s evolution.
“The opening of this secretariat signifies a whole lot.
“One it signifies stability, it signifies structure, and it gives credence to the future,” Onung said.
Recalling the association’s early years, he noted that previous leaders worked without a permanent office and commended the current leadership for turning the vision into reality.
He said the development would further strengthen domestic tourism and destination marketing, urging state governments to continue partnering with NATOP to showcase Nigeria’s tourism assets.
He also noted that the association’s Annual General Meeting has rotated among states over the past decade, with Lagos hosting the event for the second time since 2017.
The unveiling of the National Secretariat sets the tone for NATOP’s 10th AGM, which will bring together tour operators, tourism stakeholders, policymakers and development partners from across the country to deliberate on the future of Nigeria’s tourism industry and strengthen collaboration for sustainable sector growth.