November 30, (THEWILL) — The President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Dr Aliyu Badaki, has urged the Federal Government to position tourism as a central pillar of national development, calling for stronger policy execution, deeper investor confidence, and long-term private-sector partnerships.
Speaking at the 2025 Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) in Abuja, with the theme National Tourism Investment and Global Partnership, Badaki said the event represents more than an annual convergence of stakeholders—it signals Nigeria’s readiness for a tourism-driven economic future.
He disclosed that FTAN has, for the first time, played a strategic role in the final review of the National Tourism Policy, a process coordinated by the Nigeria Economic Summit Group under ministerial supervision. According to him, the revised document reflects private-sector realities and global best practices, making it a robust framework Nigeria can confidently present to the global investment community.
A major highlight of the year, he said, is the historic Memorandum of Understanding signed between FTAN, the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, and the National Gallery of Art. The MoU, he explained, institutionalises structured collaboration and embeds the private sector in national tourism planning, destination development, marketing, cultural integration, standards enhancement, and investor support.
Badaki said FTAN’s Tourism Transformation Mandate—which focuses on strong partnerships, unified institutional structure, and expanded market development—is now an active operational blueprint. He added that a strategic executive retreat held shortly after FTAN’s elections set the tone for coordinated actions and policy influence.
The FTAN President disclosed that the association has held courtesy visits to key government agencies, strengthening public-private alignment and building institutional trust. More strategic MoUs are being prepared to elevate these engagements from dialogue to legally backed implementation.
Badaki also applauded the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy for what he described as unwavering partnership and visionary leadership, both of which have accelerated sector repositioning.
On the international front, FTAN expanded diplomatic engagements with embassies and high commissions to unlock channels for cultural exchange, investor interest, tourism promotion, and bilateral cooperation. He said feedback from these missions confirms rising global attention to Nigeria’s tourism potential.
Badaki told investors that Nigeria offers vast opportunities across hospitality, ecotourism, entertainment and festivals, MICE tourism, community tourism, transportation, travel tech, culinary tourism, and cultural infrastructure. He welcomed increased incentives for investors, enhanced security around tourism sites, national marketing campaigns, and the activation of the Presidential Council on Tourism.
He maintained that Nigeria can unlock billions of dollars in tourism value if collaboration deepens, investments are sustained, and stakeholders remain committed to long-term development.
According to him, “What Nigeria needs now is partnership that endures, investors who see opportunity rather than risk, and unified efforts to build a legacy of growth and transformation.”
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
