Nigerian Government to Make Tourism a Key Driver of National Development, Highlighting New Strategic Initiatives at its NTIFE 2025 Event

Published on December 6, 2025

The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria called on the Nigerian government to embrace tourism as a central pillar of national development. Speaking in Abuja at the NTIFE 2025, Badaki spoke to the sector’s potential to drive Nigeria’s economic growth while creating jobs and fostering regional development.

The theme of this year’s event, “National Tourism Investment and Global Partnership”, highlighted the importance of global collaboration and investment in reshaping Nigeria’s tourism industry. According to Badaki, NTIFE 2025 represents not just an annual gathering but a symbol of Nigeria’s readiness for a new future in tourism, anchored on sustainable growth and long success.

Key Achievements and Collaboration with Government Agencies

Badaki shared that one of FTAN’s major accomplishments this year was its full participation in the final review of Nigeria’s National Tourism Policy, a process coordinated by the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) under the guidance of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy. He described this as a landmark achievement for the private sector, with FTAN’s input being deeply integrated into the policy, reflecting shared priorities, private-sector realities, and global best practices.

This collaboration is a significant step in public-private sector alignment, ensuring that FTAN is now embedded in the architecture of national tourism planning and implementation. The final policy, Badaki pointed out, is one that Nigeria can proudly present to the world as a roadmap for tourism development.

Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships for Tourism Development

Badaki also highlighted a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between FTAN, the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), and the National Gallery of Art (NGA). This MoU marks a new era of structured collaboration between the government and the private sector, acknowledging the importance of the private sector in driving tourism development.

He further explained that the MoU would enable joint programming, marketing, destination development, cultural tourism integration, standards improvement, and investor support, leading to stronger tourism-related policies and initiatives. These efforts will create a more dynamic tourism environment, benefitting both local communities and global travelers.

FTAN’s Tourism Transformation Mandate: Shaping the Future

FTAN’s Tourism Transformation Mandate is a blueprint for the association’s goals, focusing on three primary areas:

1. Growing tourism through partnerships and policy influence
2. Transforming FTAN’s institutional framework
3. Expanding market development, national image amplification, and legacy-building initiatives

Badaki emphasized that the mandate is no longer just an idea on paper; it is an active, living blueprint that guides FTAN’s actions and results. He further noted that the strategic planning and prioritization that took place at a recent executive retreat had set the tone for the progress FTAN has made. The retreat helped FTAN align its efforts with the broader vision of tourism development in Nigeria.

Encouraging International Collaboration and Tourism Investment

The FTAN President also recognized the importance of international collaboration in boosting Nigeria’s tourism economy. As part of FTAN’s diplomatic engagement efforts, the association visited embassies and high commissions across various regions to promote cultural exchange, encourage tourism partnerships, and attract investment. These efforts were designed to open new channels for bilateral cooperation, ensuring that Nigeria’s tourism potential is recognized and leveraged on the global stage.

Badaki noted that Nigeria’s tourism potential is vast, with opportunities across sectors such as hospitality, ecotourism, entertainment, MICE tourism, creative festivals, and culinary tourism. The future of tourism investment in Nigeria looks promising, with both government and private sector support expected to further strengthen the country’s tourism infrastructure.

Addressing Challenges and the Road to Success

While FTAN’s initiatives have set the stage for Nigeria’s tourism growth, Badaki also stressed the importance of addressing several key challenges, including infrastructure development, safety concerns, and regional tourism marketing. He emphasized that tourism investors require improved safety, better infrastructure, and greater incentives to continue investing in Nigeria’s tourism potential. Additionally, Badaki highlighted the need for an active Presidential Council on Tourism to provide strategic guidance and long-term policy direction for the industry.

The successful implementation of the National Tourism Policy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, will be critical in unlocking billions in untapped tourism value. As the country strengthens its tourism infrastructure and creates more investment opportunities, Nigeria stands to benefit from a more vibrant and competitive tourism sector.

Future Impact: A Strong Tourism Economy for Nigeria

Looking ahead, Badaki envisions tourism as a central pillar of Nigeria’s economic development. The initiatives unfold, Nigeria is poised to become a leading global tourism destination, attracting international visitors and investors alike. FTAN’s focus on partnerships, policy development, and market diversification will help ensure that tourism remains a significant contributor to Nigeria’s GDP while creating jobs and empowering local communities.

The tourism sector’s future growth will depend on continued government support, private-sector innovation, and international collaboration. With these efforts in place, Nigeria’s tourism economy is on track for unprecedented growth, becoming a major contributor to the nation’s overall prosperity.

A New Chapter for Nigeria’s Tourism Industry

Ongoing FTAN efforts are thus a catalyst in transforming the tourism sector in Nigeria into a global powerhouse. This mix of cultural pride, innovative partnerships, and sustainable development practices offers a bright future for Nigeria’s tourism industry, positioning it as one of the preferred tourist destinations, attracting investors and global partners. Under the able leadership of FTAN and sustained public-private partnership, Nigeria’s tourism potential will surely bloom for the benefit of the local economy and the wider global tourism landscape.