Author: Jimoh Babatunde

…as body holds retreat in Ghana

A delegation from the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) will be in Ghana for a four-day retreat aimed at strengthening tourism ties and pressing for easier movement of people within Africa.
Under the theme “Africa for Africa: Tourism, Unity and Shared Growth”, the visit , organised in partnership with Ghana’s Safari Valley Resort and supported by Ibom Air , seeks to address rising Afrophobia, trade barriers and other obstacles to cultural tourism on the continent.
NANTA President Yinka Folami said the trip reflects long-standing historical and cultural connections between Nigeria and Ghana and is intended to recalibrate cooperation between travel stakeholders in both countries.
“From the intellectual foundations laid by our leaders during the independence movements to decades of cultural tourism exchange, trade and commerce, Nigeria and Ghana have repeatedly chosen partnership and collaboration over division,” he said.
The retreat will also provide a forum for NANTA’s executive council to consider the association’s future direction following its recent Jubilee celebration in Ibadan.
A key priority is advocacy for policies that make intra‑African travel simpler and promote stronger tourism partnerships so that Africans increasingly view neighbouring countries as destinations of opportunity rather than foreign territory, Folami added.
Delegates at the event include travel trade leaders, tourism stakeholders and policy advocates from Nigeria and Ghana, who are expected to develop proposals to ease cross‑border movement and boost cultural exchange.
In a lighter moment during the visit, Folami joked that the delegation’s cooking talent would put Safari Valley on notice for a friendly Jollof Rice competition, underscoring the event’s blend of business and cultural camaraderie.
The retreat is part of a broader push by travel industry groups to encourage intra‑continental tourism as a driver of economic integration and people‑to‑people ties across Africa.

The Chairman of the Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (TSSCN) and Special Adviser to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Tourism, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, has called on tour operators in Nigeria to imbibe the culture of responsible tourism while building Nigeria as a tourist destination. Onung gave this advice while speaking at the 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators in Lagos.

Onung, who is also the Board of Trustees (BoT) chairman of the NATOP, told the tour operators that they are the backbone of the tourism value chain who serve as the bridge between the traveller and the destination, and as such, are ambassadors of Nigeria, urging them to curate experiences that leave pleasant lasting memories in the minds of tourists.

Speaking on the theme of the AGM “Unlocking Nigeria’s Tourism Potential: Strengthening Tour Operators for Sustainable”, the TSSCN chairman advised the tour operators: “Tour operators are the backbone of the tourism value chain. We are the bridge between the traveller and the destination. We curate experiences, manage logistics, ensure safety, and create memories. More importantly, we are ambassadors of our nation.

“As we gather here today, I urge every member to reflect on the critical role we play. The quality of our services, the professionalism of our operations, and our commitment to sustainability will determine whether Nigeria becomes a preferred tourist destination or remains a footnote in global tourism conversations.

“We must move beyond transactional relationships and embrace a long-term vision that prioritises destination stewardship, community engagement, and environmental responsibility.”

Onung, who is the immediate President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), also drew the attention of tourism stakeholders to the current efforts of the Akwa Ibom State government to develop tourism in the state with describing the Arise Palm Resort. He described the resort as one of Nigeria’s biggest tourism project and is scheduled for commissioning in September by the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.

Onung said the landmark project will redefine leisure, hospitality and conference tourism in Nigeria and the West African sub-region. He spoke further: “In the coming months, precisely in September as announced by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, the world-class Arise Palm Resort will be commissioned. This 70-hectare luxury tourism and hospitality hub, located in Uyo, is a remarkable transformation of a reclaimed gully erosion site into a masterpiece of modern tourism infrastructure. The resort features an artificial lake with floating bars, a 9-hole golf course, a 1,500-capacity banquet hall, luxury villas, and world-class sports complexes.

“For us as tour operators, this presents another significant opportunity – a new destination to packa

Hajia Bolaji Mustapha was yesterday returned unopposed as President of the National Association of Nigeria Tour Operators, NATOP, at the Association’s Annual General Meeting held at the Remi Tinubu Hall, Alausa, Ikeja.

The AGM marked a historic moment for NATOP as Hajia Mustapha highlighted key achievements from her first term, including the acquisition of the Association’s first National Headquarters in Lagos, significant growth in membership, increased national visibility, and renewed investor confidence in Nigeria as a tourism destination.

The event was attended by notable industry leaders including Air Peace Founder, Allen Onyema, and Director General of NIHOTOUR, Aare Abisoye Fagade. Representatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service, DSS, and the Nigeria Police were also present, reaffirming the link between security and safe tourism promotion.

In her acceptance speech, Hajia Mustapha thanked members for their support and pledged to take NATOP’s mandate across Nigeria.
_“NATOP is not about me. It’s about our people, our culture, and putting Nigeria back on the global tourism map,”_ she stated.

She also acknowledged the support of BOT Chairman, Nkereuwem Onung, Engr. Sarat Braimah of NIWA, and the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Dr Gani Tarzan Balogun, Damilola Emmanuel, Hon Henry Olaoluwa Onifade and Tope Fajemirokun.

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.

By Jimoh Babatunde
Lagos is set to become the meeting point for Africa’s hospitality industry as hotel managers, tourism stakeholders and industry experts gather for the eighth edition of the Hotel Managers Conference Africa (HMCA), with a focus on raising service standards and strengthening the continent’s tourism competitiveness.
The conference, scheduled for July 11 and 12 at Lagos Continental Hotel, will bring together hospitality professionals from Nigeria and 13 African countries under the theme, “Raising the Bar: Sales, Service and Standards for a Competitive Africa.”
Organisers said the summit would address critical issues affecting the hospitality sector, including workforce development, technology adoption, policy support and strategies for improving guest experience across African destinations.
Speaking during a breakfast meeting with members of the Association of Nigeria Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of Tojum Hospitality and Convener of HMCA, Olugbenga Sunday, said the conference had become a major platform for advancing tourism and hospitality development in Africa.
He said the initiative, which began in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, had expanded to other Nigerian cities before establishing itself as a continental gathering for hospitality professionals.
Sunday explained that HMCA was established to close the gap between indigenous hotel brands and international hospitality chains by promoting knowledge sharing, mentorship and exposure to global industry standards.
He said the conference had contributed to improved service delivery, with more local hotels adopting international best practices and competing favourably in the market.
“Over the years, the conference has drawn leading hospitality professionals and we are gradually bridging that gap,” he said.
According to him, capacity building remains at the heart of HMCA because the strength of the hospitality sector depends on the skills and professionalism of its workforce.
The summit will feature keynote presentations, industry discussions, mentoring sessions, masterclasses, exhibitions and networking opportunities designed to create solutions for the growth of Africa’s hospitality sector.
The convener also highlighted the impact of technology on tourism and hotel operations, noting that digital solutions were improving booking systems, payment processes and overall guest experiences.
While acknowledging the growth potential of the sector, Sunday said challenges such as high operating costs, poor infrastructure, multiple taxation, insecurity and unreliable power supply continue to affect hospitality businesses.
He called for stronger government policies and a more supportive business environment to enable tourism and hospitality operators contribute more to economic development.
He also stressed the need for improved welfare for hospitality workers, saying better compensation, healthcare support, insurance and career development opportunities were essential for retaining skilled professionals in the industry.
The conference will also feature the graduation of about 90 students from the Hotel Managers School and an awards ceremony to recognise excellence in the hospitality industry.
With participation expected from across Africa, HMCA organisers said the Lagos gathering would further strengthen collaboration, innovation and partnerships aimed at positioning Africa as a more competitive tourism destination.

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Colonel Babandi Abdullahi Mago (rtd), has commenced grassroots mobilisation and stakeholder consultations in parts of Jigawa State to rally support for the party’s governorship candidate, Senator Sabo Mohammed Nakudu, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mago, who is aspiring to represent Gumel, Maigatari, Gagarawa and Sule Tankarkar Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, embarked on the consultations across communities in Maigatari Local Government Area as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s structures and deepen support at the grassroots.
The ADC stalwart, during the outreach, stressed the need for unity, loyalty and commitment among party members, saying a cohesive party structure remained essential to achieving success in the forthcoming elections.
Accompanied by party leaders and supporters, Mago visited Galadi, Dankumbo, Fulata, Madana, Kuka Yasku, Jajeri and Turbus, where he met with party faithful and community stakeholders.
He praised ADC members across Jigawa State for their confidence in Senator Nakudu following his emergence as the party’s governorship candidate and urged them to remain steadfast in their support.
According to him, sustained grassroots engagement, internal unity and strategic mobilisation would play a critical role in advancing the party’s chances in 2027.
Mago also reaffirmed his commitment to expanding support for the ADC and strengthening the party’s presence across the federal constituency through continuous engagement with communities and stakeholders.

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.