Author: Jimoh Babatunde

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Aare Dr. Abisoye Fagade, has commended the Federal Government for lifting the suspension on regulatory activities within Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sector, describing the decision as a significant step towards revitalising the industry and advancing inclusive sector development.

Aare Fagade made this known while speaking at the National Hospitality and Tourism Stakeholders Forum, organised by the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) in Abuja, under the theme “Shaping the Future of Nigerian Tourism Together.” The forum brought together key stakeholders across the public and private sectors to deliberate on strategies for strengthening collaboration, improving standards, and driving sustainable progress within the industry.

He noted that the directive of the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, alongside the introduction of a concessionary framework offering discounts and flexible onboarding pathways, reflects a deliberate and strategic effort to deepen industry participation and enhance compliance.

According to him, the intervention aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which prioritises economic diversification, job creation, and the development of high-impact sectors such as tourism.

“This is not merely a regulatory adjustment. It is a forward-thinking strategy to reposition tourism as a key driver of national development. It demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and global competitiveness,” he stated.

Aare Fagade further highlighted NIHOTOUR’s dual mandate as both a regulatory and developmental institution, emphasising its focus on building a skilled, certified, and globally competitive workforce to support the sector.

He disclosed that the Institute is currently deploying the National Registration Portal (NRP), a transformative digital platform designed to formalise the industry through the registration, certification, and verification of tourism practitioners and institutions nationwide.

“The National Registration Portal is critical to addressing existing gaps in certification and compliance. It will improve service standards, strengthen industry credibility, and unlock economic opportunities for practitioners across the country,” he added.

Aare Fagade also acknowledged the leadership of the Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority for convening the timely stakeholders forum, noting that such engagements are essential for fostering alignment and collective action across the sector.

He observed that a significant portion of Nigeria’s tourism workforce currently operates outside formal regulatory structures, a challenge that continues to impact service delivery and international competitiveness.

He therefore called on key stakeholders, including private sector operators, industry associations, and state governments, to take full advantage of the Federal Government’s concessionary framework and actively participate in the ongoing reform process.

Reaffirming NIHOTOUR’s commitment to enabling progress, Aare Fagade stressed that regulation should be seen as a tool for advancement rather than a limitation.

“We are not here to restrict progress, but to enable it. We are not here to exclude, but to integrate. A well-regulated industry is one that attracts investment, creates jobs, and earns global recognition,” he said.

He concluded by urging sustained collaboration among stakeholders as a foundation for building a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism sector that reflects Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and vast economic potential.

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), an agency under the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, remains committed to strengthening professional standards, capacity development, and regulatory excellence within Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry.

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sector have called for urgent policy reforms, improved coordination, and enhanced service standards to boost inbound tourism and position the country as a competitive global destination.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the National Hospitality and Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum convened by the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), held on March 31, 2026, in Abuja.
The forum, which attracted participants from federal and state ministries, tourism agencies, hospitality operators, investors, development partners, and traditional institutions, was themed “Shaping the Future of Nigerian Tourism Together.”
Participants noted that despite Nigeria’s vast cultural heritage, diverse ecosystems, and growing creative industry, the country has yet to fully harness its tourism potential, particularly in attracting international visitors.
They stressed that inbound tourism remains a critical pathway for foreign exchange earnings, job creation, and economic diversification, urging government at all levels to create an enabling environment that meets global standards.
Central to the discussions was the need to adopt and enforce a unified national standardisation framework for the hospitality sector, covering service delivery, safety, hygiene, staff training, and facility classification.
According to stakeholders, improving quality assurance and aligning with international best practices would significantly enhance Nigeria’s attractiveness to foreign tourists and boost investor confidence.
The communiqué also highlighted key structural challenges, including weak inter-agency coordination, regulatory overlaps, and limited access to incentives, which continue to hinder sector growth.
Stakeholders therefore called for stronger institutional synergy, clearer regulatory frameworks, and greater fiscal accountability, particularly in the management of tourism development initiatives.
They further urged the National Assembly to review overlapping mandates among tourism-related agencies and consider legislative reforms to strengthen governance and efficiency in the sector.
On infrastructure and capacity, participants emphasised the need for sustained investment in tourism facilities, human capital development, and professionalisation of the industry to meet global expectations.
Security perception also featured prominently, with stakeholders calling for a coordinated national reorientation to improve Nigeria’s image and reassure prospective international visitors.
The forum underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in driving innovation, expanding market access, and unlocking the full value of the tourism ecosystem.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively with the NTDA and other stakeholders to reposition Nigeria as an attractive and competitive tourism destination.
They expressed optimism that with the right mix of policy support, investment, and coordination, the sector could emerge as a major contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product and a key driver of inbound tourism.

The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has intensified efforts to position Nigeria as a leading global destination, with a renewed focus on boosting inbound tourism and attracting international visitors.
Director-General of the Authority, Ola Awakan, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the maiden National Hospitality and Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum themed “Shaping the Future of Nigerian Tourism Together.”
Awakan said the NTDA is repositioning itself as the country’s chief tourism marketing agency, with deliberate strategies aimed at increasing foreign tourist arrivals and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global tourism market.
According to him, Nigeria’s vast eco-tourism assets, rich cultural heritage, and globally recognised creative industry provide a strong foundation to attract international travellers.
“We are focused on expanding inbound tourism and positioning it as a viable export sector capable of generating foreign exchange earnings for the country,” he said.
He noted that the Authority would leverage storytelling and strategic marketing campaigns to reshape global perceptions about Nigeria, projecting authentic narratives that reflect the country’s diversity and cultural richness.
Awakan also advocated for a more visa-friendly regime, stressing that simplified entry processes are critical to encouraging travel, boosting investor confidence, and improving Nigeria’s global tourism ranking.
“As a nation, we must make it easier for people to visit. A seamless visa process is key to unlocking inbound tourism potential,” he added.
The NTDA boss further revealed plans to deploy digital platforms that will showcase Nigeria’s tourism offerings, integrate booking systems, and provide seamless access to information for prospective visitors.
He identified Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism as a strategic segment that could significantly drive international traffic into the country, noting that business tourism remains a major contributor to global travel flows.
Awakan also highlighted the proposed “Naija Flavour Marketplace” as a key initiative that would connect local service providers to global audiences, improve visibility for tourism operators, and enhance visitor experience.
In addition, he disclosed plans for the development of an international Tourism City, envisioned as a one-stop destination that integrates culture, entertainment, hospitality, and commerce.
He said the project would serve as a flagship attraction capable of drawing tourists from across the world while showcasing Nigeria’s identity in a modern and immersive way.
Awakan acknowledged that challenges such as infrastructure gaps, weak coordination, and limited global visibility have hindered the sector, but expressed confidence that ongoing reforms and stakeholder collaboration would address these issues.
He emphasised that partnerships with the private sector, sub-national governments, and industry bodies such as the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) would be critical to achieving sustained growth.
“The future of Nigerian tourism lies in our ability to work together to build a sector that is globally competitive, investment-friendly, and attractive to visitors,” he said.
He added that the stakeholders’ forum would serve as a continuous platform for engagement, policy alignment, and collective action to drive tourism development.
Awakan expressed optimism that with the right policies and sustained commitment, inbound tourism would emerge as a major driver of economic growth, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria.

 
A new dawn is in the offing for Kastina State as the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has committed to a strategic partnership with the State Government aimed at identifying, harnessing, developing and promoting the cultural tourism assets of the State through Private – Public Partnership model.
The commitment followed a recent tour of the State by FTAN, which was led by its National President Dr Aliyu Ajayi Badaki. 
The official visit to Katsina State was at the behest of the State Governor, Mallam Umar Radda Dikko, who extended special invitation to FTAN’s President and his team, to witness the recent historic celebrations of Hauwan Bariki and Sallah Durbar across Katsina and Daura Emirate Councils.
 
Badaki was accompanied on the visit by the First Deputy President of FTAN, Mrs Susan Akporiaye; Vice President, North West, Alhaji El-Kabir Danfulani; Executive Director of Katsina State History and Cultural Bureau, Dr Kabir Masanawa; alongside over 16 Tourism Ambassadors, who graced the festival.
The visit also formed part of the ongoing efforts by FTAN to strengthen tourism development and cultural promotion in the state.
It provided an opportunity for FTAN President and his team to undertake on-the-spot assessments of key projects and tourism sites within the state capital, with a view to identifying areas where the private sector can support marketing, promotion, and investment.
During the engagement, Badaki presented strategic proposals to the Governor, highlighting practical avenues for collaboration between the State government and private sector stakeholders in harnessing and promoting Katsina’s rich cultural tourism assets.
At the conclusion of the visit, Radda requested an official re-presentation of the Tourism Icon Award 2025 conferred on him at the Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) held in Abuja last year, underscoring his administration’s commitment to advancing tourism development in Katsina State.
 
NTIFE is a flagship travel and tourism trade conference and expo event held annually by FTAN in Abuja.
It is designed to showcase and promote Nigerian tourism across board and attract both private and public sectors investors to the sector.
Plans for this year’s edition, which is scheduled to hold in July, alongside its Annual General Meeting (AGM), is already in top gear. 
The conference and expo event will assume a new format and dimension in terms of its organisation and appeal this year.

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has honoured leading Nollywood actress, producer, and director, Toyin Abraham-Ajeyemi with the prestigious Box Office Champion Award, in recognition of her outstanding cinematic achievement and record-breaking performance of her film, Oversabi Aunty, at the Nigerian box office.
Presenting the award in Lagos, the Executive Director of the NFVCB, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, described the occasion as a celebration of excellence, creativity, and the remarkable strides of Nigeria’s film industry.
“It is my honour to welcome you all to this special occasion as we celebrate excellence, creativity, and the remarkable achievements within Nigeria’s film industry,” he stated.
Dr. Husseini conveyed the warm regards and apologies of the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy ,Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, who was unavoidably absent due to an official engagement in the United Kingdom. He noted that the Minister extends her full support and congratulations to the award recipient.
The NFVCB boss highlighted that Oversabi Auntie has achieved an extraordinary milestone, grossing over one billion naira at the Nigerian box office—a feat he described as both a personal triumph for the actress and a strong indicator of Nollywood’s growing global potential.
“This accomplishment is not only a personal triumph but a testament to the growing strength, resilience, and global potential of Nollywood,” he said, adding that the Board remains committed to supporting a thriving film culture that contributes meaningfully to the national economy.
Dr. Husseini also expressed profound appreciation to the wife of the Oni of Ife, Olori Temitope Ogunwusi for graciously serving as the Mother of the Day, noting that her presence added dignity and honour to the event. He further commended industry guilds and professional associations for their continued collaboration in advancing the sector.
In a goodwill message, the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Sanusi Abubakar Yakubu, described the award as a defining moment where art, enterprise, and destiny converge.
He praised Toyin Abraham-Ajeyemi as a trailblazer who has redefined the possibilities within Nollywood, noting that her film’s impressive ₦1.6 billion box office performance signals a shift toward a more commercially astute, globally competitive, and self-assertive Nigerian film industry.
“Her achievement is a signal that Nigerian stories are no longer waiting for validation; they are asserting themselves and commanding global attention,” he said.
Yakubu also commended the NFVCB for institutionalising a culture of measurable excellence, adding that the recognition would inspire filmmakers and actors to pursue higher standards of creativity and commercial success.
Speaking at the event, Olori Temitope Ogunwusi noted that her presence underscored her deep appreciation for the film industry and the celebrant. Reflecting on the film, she remarked that Oversabi Auntie conveys an important message on parenting, emphasizing the need for closer relationships between parents and their children.
In her response, Toyin Abraham-Ajeyemi expressed heartfelt gratitude to the NFVCB for recognising her work at such a significant milestone. She also appreciated the presence of stakeholders and specially acknowledged the Olori for honouring the occasion with her attendance.
The event drew key stakeholders from across the creative industry, reinforcing the growing recognition of cinema as a major driver of cultural expression and economic growth in Nigeria.

Ogbonna Onwumere
Director, Corporate Affairs,
National Film and Video Censors Board.

The Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini, on Thursday received the management of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), led by its Director-General, Dr. Ola Awakan, during a courtesy visit to the Board’s headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the film and tourism sectors as part of efforts to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on petroleum and unlock new economic opportunities.
Both leaders agreed that the creative industry, particularly film, alongside tourism, holds enormous potential as the next major drivers of Nigeria’s economy. They resolved to encourage Nigerian filmmakers to deliberately showcase the country’s rich tourism destinations in their productions in order to attract both local and international tourists.
Speaking during the meeting, Husseini emphasized the strategic role of film in promoting Nigeria’s tourism assets.
According to him, “we will continue to encourage our filmmakers to tell our stories using our tourism locations. Tourism potentials in Nigeria are enormous and film provides a powerful platform to open up the sector to the world.”
Awakan, in his remarks, noted that economic diversification through tourism integrated with film remains one of the most viable alternatives for Nigeria.
“There is no better alternative to diversify the economy than through tourism embedded in film,” he said.
The NTDA Director-General also commended Husseini’s leadership at the NFVCB, recalling their long-standing professional relationship.
Awakan noted that he was among the first set of journalists who invited Husseini to appear on Television Continental (TVC) following his appointment, adding that since Husseini assumed office at the NFVCB, the narrative around the Board has changed positively.
“We know how passionate you are about the sector,” Awakan stated.
Responding, Husseini expressed admiration for the Director-General’s energy and commitment to the tourism sector since assuming office late last year. He revealed that he regularly visits the NTDA website to keep track of the agency’s activities and developments.
Awakan explained that his dedication stems from years of professional commitment to the sector.
“If I could do it when I didn’t have a platform, why should I complain now that I have one?” he said.
Husseini further advocated for deliberate policies that would strengthen inward tourism in Nigeria, while acknowledging that certain challenges still need to be addressed to fully unlock the country’s tourism potential.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both institutions to deepen collaboration between Nigeria’s film industry and tourism sector as strategic pillars for economic growth, job creation and national development.
Signed
Ogbonna Onwumere
Director, Corporate Affairs
FOR : National Film and Video Censors Board.

Ile-Ife, Osun State – A high-powered delegation from the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) paid a courtesy visit to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, at the Palace in Ile-Ife.

The delegation, led by Dr. Dagunduro Olatokunbo, 2nd National Deputy President, and Prince Ajibade Abiodun Olaleye, Vice President-elect of the Western Zone, was received by Hon. Uzoma Ani, one of the Special Assistants to the Ooni of Ife, at the Ife Grand Resort, before proceeding to the Palace.

Oba Ogunwusi expressed delight at NANTA’s 50th anniversary celebration and promised to attend the official opening of the Conference and Exhibition on April 16, 2026, as part of high-profile dignitaries to declare the event open with spiritual blessings.

He praised the theme of the AGM, “Embracing our diverse cultural heritage from the city of firsts: Redefining our roles as global travel ambassadors,” emphasizing the need to promote Nigeria’s rich culture to the world. The Ooni noted that this responsibility is not limited to royalty, but also involves the travel and tourism industry as a vital marketing arm.

The Palace will host NANTA stakeholders on April 15, 2026, for a tour. Oba Ogunwusi described Ile-Ife as the cradle of the Yoruba race and origin of humanity and civilization, saying the visit would reconnect delegates to their roots.

Other NANTA executives present included Mr. Obasa Oyebola, former Zonal PRO; Dr. Adegboola Olufemi, Financial Secretary; Mr. Ojekunle Afeez, Welfare Officer; Mr. Solomon Olabayo, Osun State Chapter Coordinator; and other members of the Osun State chapter.

The Ooni blessed and prayed for a successful and impactful event.