Nigeria’s efforts to improve tourism safety and strengthen destination security will take centre stage in Abuja this July as government agencies, tourism stakeholders, technology providers, and security institutions converge for the maiden edition of the National Tourism Safety and Security Technology Conference and Trade Show.
The two-day conference, organised by Travel Marketing Partner (Nigeria) Limited, will take place from July 6 to July 7, 2026, at the Army Headquarters Command Event Centre, Asokoro, Abuja.
The event is being held in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), and other stakeholders within the tourism and security sectors.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of Travel Marketing Partner (Nigeria) Limited, Mr. Shola Ilupeju, the conference is designed to address growing concerns around tourism safety while leveraging technology to create a more secure travel environment across the country.
Ilupeju noted that the conference, which is a broad-based industry event, requires collaboration among government ministries, departments and agencies, tourism associations, the military, security agencies, and private-sector operators to achieve lasting results.
A Technology-Driven Platform for Safer Tourism
Speaking on the objectives of the conference, Ilupeju said:
“The National Tourism Safety and Security Technology Conference and Exhibition is an initiative aimed at strengthening safety, security, and resilience within Nigeria’s tourism ecosystem through the deployment of modern technologies, policy dialogue, and stakeholder collaboration.”
The conference, themed “Safe and Secure Destination: Key to Sustainable Tourism Development,” is expected to provide a national platform for discussing tourism safety challenges, showcasing modern security technologies, promoting inter-agency collaboration, and supporting government efforts led by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) to position Nigeria as a safe and attractive tourism destination.
Safe Destination Award 2026 to Recognise Excellence
Beyond the conference and exhibition, organisers will also host the Safe Destination Award 2026, designed to recognise destinations, hospitality hubs, and local jurisdictions that demonstrate exceptional commitment to traveller safety and institutional security.
According to Ilupeju:
“The Safe Destination Award is designed as a prestigious benchmark for security excellence within the Nigerian tourism landscape. It is a flagship recognition framework established under the National Safe and Secure Travel Experience (NASTREX) initiative.”
He explained that the award will serve as a “seal of confidence” for destinations that have invested in security infrastructure and visitor protection.
“As Nigeria continues to position itself as a premier African hub for business and cultural tourism, this award serves as a bridge between perceived security risks and the reality of safe, well-managed travel corridors.”
NASTREX Initiative Gains Industry Support
A major highlight of the conference is the promotion of the National Safe and Secure Travel Experience (NASTREX) initiative.
Ilupeju disclosed that the programme has received endorsement from the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA).
“We are pleased to inform you that NTDA has endorsed the National Safe and Secure Travel Experience (NASTREX), an initiative of Travel Marketing Partners Nigeria Limited aimed at ensuring the safety and security of tourists, travellers and tourism facilities.”
According to him, Travel Marketing Partners and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) intend to deploy technology-driven solutions, including biometrically verifiable identity systems and other relevant personal information platforms, to reduce risks faced by tourists and other users.
He added that the initiative is expected to improve visitor confidence, stimulate tourism investment, and create employment opportunities across the tourism value chain.
“It is expected that this project will not only provide a safer experience for tourists and other users but also create jobs within the local economy, boost confidence in tourism businesses, and attract investments into the tourism industry, thereby fostering economic growth in Nigeria.”
NTDA Reaffirms Commitment
The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has expressed confidence in the initiative’s potential to strengthen safety and security standards within the tourism industry.
Speaking through the Director of Legal Services, Mrs. Olufunke Soleye, on behalf of the Director-General, Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, the Authority stated:
“The National Safe and Secure Travel Experience would boost safety and security measures and have an invaluable impact on the Nigerian tourism sector. We therefore request the cooperation of stakeholders to make it successful.”
Industry stakeholders, including members of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), believe the conference could become a landmark platform for advancing destination security, promoting technology adoption, and strengthening Nigeria’s reputation as a safe and competitive tourism destination in Africa.
