The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) have pledged strategic collaborative efforts, with the end-objective of achieving shared goals.

As part of this strategic partnership, NTDA will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FTAN on the joint marketing of Nigeria across international channels, as Nigeria looks to reclaiming its status at the global tourism marketing scene having been absent for years.

These developments were part of the fallouts from the strategic meeting FTAN, led by its President, Dr Aliyu Badaki, had with the management of NTDA led by its Director General, Olayiwola Awakan, when FTAN paid a courtesy visit to Awakan, who recently assumed office as the new DG of the Authority.

Speaking at the occasion, Badaki disclosed that the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration and advancing shared goals for the growth of Nigeria’s tourism sector. He expressed appreciation to the DG for the warm reception and congratulated him on his well-deserved appointment. He gave a brief overview of FTAN’s mandate as the umbrella body representing the private sector in Nigeria’s tourism industry. The President emphasised that FTAN, as the voice of the private sector, plays a critical watchdog role in ensuring that the interests of tourism investors and operators are protected.

While commending NTDA for its consistent partnership with FTAN in efforts geared towards improving the sector, he pledged that with the new DG on board that the partnership will be taken to new heights, with focus on opening new frontiers for the benefits of both bodies and the sector as well.

He noted that the Federation welcomes innovation and new ideas but stressed that such initiatives must be implemented in partnership with private-sector players. Badaki also briefed the DG the importance of the upcoming Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE), to which he has been formally invited as a Special Guest of Honour. The Forum is scheduled to hold on November 28, 2025, in Abuja.

The First Deputy President of FTAN, Mrs Susan Akporiaye disclosed FTAN’s commitment to heading efforts at promoting and marketing Nigerian tourism at the international level, stressing the importance of joint efforts by the two bodies.

As part of this renewed effort, she said that FTAN and NTDA would further strengthen it strategic partnership and joint marketing and promotion of Nigeria’s tourism offerings through a MoU that would be formally signed at NTIFE 2025 once it has been reviewed by NTDA.

She highlighted the importance of active physical representation at global travel markets and exhibitions. This is as she recommended the establishment of a joint committee by both parties to ensure early and effective planning and implementation of agreed marketing strategies.

In his remarks, Awakan expressed appreciation to FTAN for the visit, noting that he had long been associated with the Federation.

He reaffirmed his commitment to deepening the existing relationship between NTDA and the private sector. According to him, his tenure would prioritise collaborative programmes and activities that align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.

Awakan stressed that meaningful progress in the tourism industry can only be achieved through strong partnerships, as tourism remains a private sector-driven enterprise. He welcomed the proposed MoU and confirmed his readiness to sign it at NTIFE 2025.

He added that the success of NTIFE 2025 is, by extension, the success of NTDA.

The DG reiterated that Nigeria is richly endowed with vast tourism opportunities that must be harnessed through sustained collaboration between government agencies and private sector stakeholders.