The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has announced that the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, will serve as Chief Hostess for the 8th Nigeria Tourism Investment Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) 2025.
The Forum is scheduled for November 28, 2025, in Abuja, and will attract a high-profile lineup of ambassadors, industry leaders, corporate executives, and heads of key tourism parastatals.
According to FTAN, several Director Generals from major agencies under the Tourism Ministry and other MDAs will be in attendance. The list includes: Olayiwola Awakan, DG, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Aare Abisoye Fagade, DG, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR)
Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, DG, National Gallery of Arts (NGA), Olugbile Holloway, DG, National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, DG, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
FTAN also confirmed Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, ace journalist and TVC News Head of Current Affairs, as the Keynote Speaker. His keynote will align with the Forum’s theme: “National Tourism Investment and Global Partnership.”
The panel session will feature notable industry figures, including: Mrs. Lolo Ngozi Ngoka, Managing Director, Zigona Travel Advisory, Dr. Tony Elumelu, former Director, Private Sector Department, ECOWAS Commission Dr. Victor Dare, Group Managing Director, Better Ways Group, Prince Philip Orebiyi, General Manager, Kogi State Hotel Board, and Mr. Victor Kayode, President, Nigeria Hotel and Catering Institute (NHCI).
In a statement issued to the Media, FTAN expressed excitement about the lineup, noting:
“We’re excited to share the lineup of respected industry leaders who will be driving the conversations at this year’s forum. Each panelist brings a wealth of experience, fresh perspectives, and a strong commitment to advancing Nigeria’s tourism sector. Their insights will inspire meaningful dialogue and help shape practical pathways for investment, collaboration, and growth. We look forward to a vibrant and impactful session at NTIFE 2025.”
Ahead of the Forum, FTAN will host an Investiture and Award Night, where Tourism Icons and Awardees for 2025 will be unveiled in the days leading up to the event.
The one-day Forum aims to convene state governments, investors, policymakers, tourism professionals, foreign envoys, and international partners to develop new strategies for driving tourism growth and promoting Nigeria’s economic diversification.
The list include; Director Generals of the Nigerian Tourism Development (NTDA), Olayiwola Awakan; National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Aare Abisoye Fagade; National Gallery of Arts (NGA), Ahmed Bashir Sodangi; National Commission for Museums and Monument (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway; and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi.
Earlier, the Federation has announced ace journalist, public analyst and current affairs commentator, Mr Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, who is Head of Current Affairs, TVC News, Lagos, as the Keynote Speaker for the Forum, with the theme; National Tourism Investment and Global Partnership.
The panelists include; Mrs Lolo Ngozi Ngoka, Managing Director, Zigona Travel Advisory; Dr Tony Elumelu, former Director, Private Sector Department, ECOWAS Commission; Dr Victor Dare, Group Managing Director, Better ways Group; Prince Philip Orebiyi, General Manager, Kogi State Hotel Board; and Mr Victor Kayode, President, Nigeria Hotel and Catering Institute (NHCI).
FTAN while disclosing the list of the panelist noted; ‘‘we’re excited to share the lineup of respected industry leaders who will be driving the conversations at this year’s forum.
‘‘Each panelist brings a wealth of experience, fresh perspectives, and a strong commitment to advancing Nigeria’s tourism sector. Their insights will inspire meaningful dialogue and help shape practical pathways for investment, collaboration, and growth.
We look forward to a vibrant and impactful session with these outstanding professionals at NTIFE 2025.’’
The Forum will be preceded by Investiture and Award Night, with the awardees and Tourism Icons for the event to be made public in the coming days.
According to FTAN, the one-day Forum is expected to bring together state governments, investors, policymakers, tourism professionals, foreign envoys, and international partners to chart new pathways for Nigeria’s tourism growth and economic diversification.
