The President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Dr. Aliyu Badaki, has called on the Nigerian government to adopt tourism as a central pillar of national development, noting that the sector holds immense potential for economic transformation, job creation, and global competitiveness.
Speaking at the 2025 Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE), held in Abuja with the theme “National Tourism Investment and Global Partnership,” Badaki described the event as more than an annual gathering. He said it symbolises Nigeria’s readiness to embrace a bold new future where tourism becomes a significant contributor to national growth.
Badaki revealed that one of FTAN’s most significant achievements this year was its active involvement in the final review of the National Tourism Policy. The review was coordinated by the Nigeria Economic Summit Group under the supervision of the Ministry. He described the process as a landmark moment for the private sector, noting that FTAN’s contributions were deeply integrated into the new policy.
According to him, the final document reflects shared priorities, private-sector realities, and global best practices—making it a policy Nigerians can proudly showcase to the world.
He also highlighted a 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. He said the agreement represents a new era of structured collaboration that recognises the private sector as a major engine of tourism development.
Badaki noted that the MoU establishes clear pathways for joint programming, destination development, cultural tourism integration, marketing, standards enhancement, and investor support. For the first time, he said, FTAN is no longer operating from the sidelines but is now fully embedded in national tourism planning and implementation.
The FTAN President also outlined his Tourism Transformation Mandate, which centres on building strong partnerships, influencing policy meaningfully, unifying FTAN’s institutional framework, and expanding market development and national image amplification initiatives. He stressed that the mandate is now an active blueprint guiding their actions and fostering significant progress.
He recalled that shortly after his inauguration, FTAN convened a strategic executive retreat to align priorities and define implementation pathways. The clarity gained from that retreat, he added, has shaped the direction and achievements the association is celebrating today.
Badaki said FTAN has embarked on courtesy visits to major government agencies, including the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, and the National Gallery of Art. These engagements, he noted, strengthened institutional trust and cemented FTAN’s position as a dependable partner in national tourism advancement.
Looking ahead, he disclosed that FTAN will be signing additional strategic MoUs with key agencies to deepen collaboration. He praised the Minister for her unwavering partnership, visionary support, and leadership, which have bolstered the association’s efforts.
Badaki further revealed that FTAN expanded its diplomatic outreach by visiting embassies and high commissions to strengthen international collaboration. These engagements opened avenues for investment, cultural exchange, tourism promotion, and bilateral cooperation.
He stated that with the new tourism policy, stronger private-sector engagement, and improved visibility for Nigerian culture, the country is now positioned for unprecedented tourism investment. He urged investors to explore opportunities across sectors such as hospitality, ecotourism, MICE tourism, entertainment, creative festivals, community tourism, travel technology, cultural infrastructure, transportation, and culinary tourism.
Badaki noted that FTAN supports increased investor incentives, better safety and infrastructure around tourism sites, enhanced national marketing, and the activation of structures like the Presidential Council on Tourism. He maintained that Nigeria has the potential to unlock billions in untapped tourism value.
According to him, Nigeria possesses everything needed to become a leading tourism destination in Africa—including cultural richness, creativity, natural beauty, diversity, and warm hospitality. What remains, he said, is sustained collaboration, bold investment, and a long-term commitment to building a thriving tourism economy.
He urged stakeholders to forge partnerships that endure, attract investors who view Nigeria as a rising opportunity, and work collectively to build a legacy of unity, growth, and transformation.
