Stakeholders at the Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) 2026, organised by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), have resolved to work together to unlock the potential of the Nigerian tourism sector.
According to the communique the exhibition ended in a celebratory note with the stakeholders; from both the public and private sectors on the need to harness the abundant opportunities in the tourism industry that have been left untapped for years
In the communique issued at the end of the two days Forum, which was made available to Ontimenewsng.com, stakeholders pledged to achieve through advancing reforms in policies, investments, and institutional reforms as well as restructuring that will advance a competitive, sustainable, and globally respected tourism industry capable of contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic diversification and national development.
The Forum, which was the ninth edition of the annual investment and expo platform staged by FTAN, the umbrella body for tourism operators in the private sector, was held in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, with the theme, “Tourism Transformation Through Collaboration, Policy Alignment and Investment.”
The Forum brought together government officials, policymakers, tourism investors, industry practitioners, development partners, and other stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for transforming Nigeria’s tourism sector into a globally competitive and economically viable industry.
The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, who was the chief host spoke on the topic, “Building a National Tourism Architecture for Nigeria.”
While the former Permanent Secretary at the federal government level, Waziri of Katsina State and proprietor of Bristol Palace Hotel Group as well as the Chancellor of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina,Senator Ibrahim Ida, was the keynote speaker.
He spoke on the theme of the Forum, offering an enriching, refreshing insight into the tourism sector and offered a number of recommendations for developing and promoting the sector.
In the communique, stakeholders among others also reaffirmed that tourism remains a strategic sector capable of driving sustainable economic growth, creating millions of jobs, attracting local and foreign investment, generating foreign exchange earnings, and enhancing Nigeria’s global image in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda:
They commended the Federal Ministry of Tourism for its commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s tourism industry through deliberate and strategic interventions, particularly in strengthening the policy and regulatory environment, deepening collaboration with state governments, expanding international partnerships, and promoting domestic tourism:
The stakeholders also acknowledged the Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM) of FTAN as a timely and strategic framework for uniting all segments of the tourism ecosystem under a common vision of growth, collaboration, and shared prosperity:
Stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, the stakeholders agreed is essential to eliminate duplication, improve coordination, and maximise the immense opportunities within Nigeria’s tourism value chain:
Besides, stakeholders commended FTAN’s continuous efforts in promoting dialogue among member associations, strengthening industry relationships, engaging governments at all levels, and serving as the collective voice of Nigeria’s private tourism sector:
On policy alignment, the stakeholders agreed that is fundamental to achieving meaningful tourism transformation and attracting sustainable investment into the sector:
It was resolved that the current National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Act, 2022, and the NIHOTOUR Regulations, 2025, have become major impediments to the growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of Nigeria’s tourism industry:
The Forum called on President Bola Tinubu to return the legislation to the National Assembly for comprehensive review of the contentious provisions, to give way for a new legal framework that aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and global best practices so that the aspirations of industry operators can be enacted:
Modern, inclusive, and investment-friendly legal and regulatory framework, the forum is indispensable for unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s tourism sector and positioning the country as a preferred tourism and investment destination in Africa:
They restated their commitment to sustained collaboration, policy advocacy, investment promotion, and strategic partnerships that will accelerate the transformation of Nigeria’s tourism industry for national economic development
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