Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo SAN, and his counterpart at the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Mrs Hannatu Musawa have reiterated the imperative of improved collaboration between the tourism and transportation sectors in driving sustainable growth in the country’s economy.

Speaking in their separate Goodwill Messages during the opening ceremony of the 7th National Tourism and Transportation (NTT) Summit and Expo which held at the Velodrome, MKO National Stadium in Abuja, Tuesday, the ministers further harped on the need for an improved synergy between policy makers and private operators in both sectors, as, according to them, the link has ‘gone beyond mere convenience.’

The 7th edition of the NTT Summit and Expo kicked off on Tuesday after several postponements, with participants drawn from the public and private spheres of operators and regulators in the aviation, hospitality, transportation sectors of the economy.

The two-day event has as its theme; “Tourism, Transportation Connectivity: Accelerating the Synergy for Economic Development,” just as panel discussions and paper presentations also featured in the programme attended by over 200 participants and about 20 exhibitors from the public and private sector players in the transport and tourism sectors.

Delivering his Goodwill Message, the Aviation minister, Mr Keyamo, who was represented, assured of his administration’s commitment to deepening synergy between the transportation and tourism sectors, as according to him, this is key to further unlocking the full potential of both sectors and by extension, stimulate economic growth by also unlocking tourism’s full potential in the country.

“The theme of this summit resonates deeply with our Ministry’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and promoting synergy between the tourism and transportation sectors.

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“We believe that by working together, we can unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s tourism industry, create jobs, stimulate economic growth and showcase our country’s unique cultural and natural attractions to the world,” Keyamo stated.

On her part, the Culture and Tourism minister, Mrs Musawa, who was also represented, noted that backing programmes like the NTT Summit ‘is a powerful force for growth.’

According to the minister, improved connectivity not only brings people closer but also fosters inclusivity, driving trade, investment, and cross-cultural exchange, which she stated range from developing rural areas through accessible transportation routes to enhancing cityscapes with state-of-the-art travel systems.

Musawa further posited that government support and collaborative partnership hold immense potential to accelerate sustainable economic development, stressing that ‘the synergy between tourism and transportation is essential for unlocking Nigeria’s economic growth.’

“With improved transportation networks whether by air, road, rail, or waterway, tourism will thrive, opening new markets, creating jobs, and contributing significantly to our nation’s GDP.

“The ripple effects of investments in the tourism, art, culture and creative economy sector are massive and enormous as they bring about increased foreign direct investment, local entrepreneurship, and strengthened cultural exchange that brings Nigeria to the forefront of global tourism.

“I believe Nigeria’s tourism sector holds the promise of being a key driver for economic diversification, especially as we look beyond oil-dependent growth.

“By strengthening the synergy between tourism and transportation, we can create a sustainable economic model that uplifts our communities and showcases the best of Nigeria to the world.

“Together, through coordinated efforts, investment, and innovation, we can transform Nigeria into a premier tourist destination, spurring economic growth and creating opportunities for all,” the minister stressed.

She, therefore, commended organisers of the NTT Summit for ‘their tireless efforts in promoting tourism transportation connectivity and synergizing stakeholders towards achieving economic development,’ just as the minister called for support and contributions of key players in the industry, which she described as ‘invaluable at achieving the desired national economic growth and development that this event seeks to accomplish.’

In his welcome address, National President of the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), who also doubles as Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Organizing Committee of the NTT Summit, Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, explained that this edition of the summit has integrated a series of key plates in the industries ‘whose operations are of immense importance to the general tourism and transportation activities which many are not aware of but are, one way or the other, linked and connected for greater success of the sectors.’

This move, he added represents a major shift from previous editions of the NTT Summit and Expo.

“In hosting the 7th edition of the Tourism Transportation Summit and Expo this year, organizers took cognizance of the vital documents that the past six editions have produced in the form of communiques and seeks to bring into effect their implementation as roadmaps to give the industry players the leeway to play their respective roles in the most appropriate ways that guarantee the best economic benefits for the country. Hence the theme: Tourism Transportation Connectivity: Accelerating The Synergy for National Economic Development,” Odusanwo stated.

According to him, this year’s Summit is to reaffirm the need for synergy and collaboration in areas of operations of the tourism transportation sector for national economic growth and development, as he reeled out some of the presentations expected as sub-themes of the Summit during plenary sessions.

Odusanwo stressed that NTT summits has since inception in 2018, offered the platform for public and private sector stakeholders, producers and consumers in Nigeria and Africa to come together, share ideas, experiences, exchange knowledge and showcase their skills in the growth, development and promotion of the nation’s economic endowments, this time, by promoting the ideals of the value chain inherent in the tourism transportation sector.

Day 1 of the NTT Summit and Expo witnessed three lead papers presented by Mrs Florence Okonkwo, the Permanent Secretary,
Transportation Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Abuja.

Mrs Okonkwo’s presentation was titled; “Development of a Modern Transportation System that makes Mobility of People and Traffic Systems within the Capitals of the Federation and the FCT, Convenient, Safe and Secure for Commuters.”

Okonkwo had while enumerating the challenges confronting improved transportation system in the Federal Capital city, recommended that for a change to take place, modern technology must be embraced when mapping out new infrastructure, as well as, a positive reorientation of the populace, all of which are geared towards also addressing the security issues which mitigate against the present environment.

This is also as other panellists including the Registrar, Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA), Mr Rasheed Aiyelabegan and the Director General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism, Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre insisted on a national development plan in the country which successive administrations should be compelled to adhere to, in seeking to permanently address the problem of abandoned projects across the country.

The second lead paper titled; “Connect and Explore Trusted Travel Hub for Seamless Journeys,” was presented by Deputy President, ITPN, Malam Sheriff Abdulhamid, in place of the Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Folarin Coker.

Malam Sheriff had also enjoined the Ministry overseeing tourism in the country to set out what he calls a ‘tourism week’ in the country which would focus on raising the low tourism consciousness among both the public and private sector operators.

The third lead paper titled; “Electrifying Tourism Transportation: A Sustainable Path to Economic Growth,” was presented by Mr Akin Akingbogun, the Head, Mobility, Sterling Bank, with Mr Iquo Eyo, of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) as co-panellist in the discussion session.

While Mr Akingbogun talked up the increasing need for the Nigerians and the government to embrace emerging technologies in the transportation sector like the electric vehicle (EV) mode, Mr Eyo harped on the imperative of electrifying transport experiences for the people with a call on policy makers to look at highlighting Nigeria’s tourism assets when deploying or evolving transportation infrastructure across the country.

Highlight of Day 1 of the summit was the interactive session which rounded off the paper presentations, as speakers fielded questions by the general audience.