A recent review of the performance of Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, has sparked a national conversation. A six-member jury assessed the state of the tourism industry during President Tinubu’s two-year tenure, questioning whether the minister’s leadership has been a blessing or a curse to the sector.

The panel featured as special guests on Creative Nigeria, a weekly cultural tourism radio magazine on Mainland 98.3 FM, Lagos. Hosted by veteran cultural tourism journalists Frank Meke and Bunmi Bade-Adeniji, the program airs every Thursday and was closely monitored in Lagos.

During the discussion, the panel advised Minister Hannatu Musawa to seek counsel from industry stakeholders and stop operating in isolation. They emphasised the need for humility and collaboration to drive meaningful progress in tourism.

Speaking during the program, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, former President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), and an advocate for women supporting women, stated: “Tourism is a unique sector that requires hands-on involvement from industry players. The Minister is repeating the mistakes of her predecessors. Tourism is not a theoretical venture, it demands practical engagement. Unfortunately, it’s being handled like any other sector.”

She further urged the Minister to actively engage the private sector and listen to stakeholders with a genuine interest in the growth of the industry. “The ministry can still be revived,” she said, “but only if the Minister is willing to seek help and humble herself.”

Mr. Okorie Uguru, leader of the Association of Tourism Journalists and Travel Writers (ANJET), criticized the absence of a sustainable tourism policy. He said, “The administration came into power in 2023. Let’s put aside the drama, the rhetoric, and the promises. Between 2023 and now, what progress has been made in tourism? Where is the measurable change?” he asked.
He referenced the government’s “Destination 2030” initiative and emphasised that tourism is a practical industry that must be driven by the private sector.

The President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), Prince Femi Oluwashina Fadina, added a metaphorical critique: “As long as the servant rides a horse and the prince walks on foot, things won’t go right. If the government can prioritise the oil and economic sectors, why is tourism still ignored? Tourism is a bottom-up sector. We have capable hands, but the wrong people are being chosen to lead.”

Speaking also, the National Secretary of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Mr. Michael Balogun, described tourism as a “low-hanging fruit” with significant potential. He said, “The government has failed to engage the private sector adequately. Tourism doesn’t operate in isolation, yet that’s how the administration treats it. As NATOP’s Secretary, representing inbound and outbound tour operators nationwide, I can say we haven’t had a single roundtable with the Minister in two years.”

Balogun contrasted this with the previous administration, which at least showed some willingness to engage, citing their involvement in NATOP’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Kwara State. “At the federal level, it feels like tour operators are invisible. We’re excluded from key events, and there’s no real platform for dialogue. It appears Minister Musawa is more focused on the creative industry, leaving tourism neglected.”

He also criticised the lack of a unified tourism ecosystem: “The ‘Dutch Diamond’ model emphasises inclusive dialogue from data analysts to statisticians, NGOs, and other knowledge-based players. What we have now is fragmented and chaotic. And when the Minister eventually leaves, the cycle restarts, no continuity, no progress.” He added.

Mr. Andrew Okungbowa, a Tourism Journalistadded, “One of our biggest national failures is treating tourism in isolation. If Musawa truly understood her role, she would function as a super minister. Tourism should be at the forefront. While oil drives our economy, tourism is a powerful, untapped force behind it. Until we grasp the metrics and dynamics of creating a cohesive national ecosystem, we’ll keep missing the mark.”

Frank Meke, a seasoned journalist and passionate advocate for tourism and culture, delivered a sobering conclusion: “I’ve always held strong views because this is our country, and the truth must be told. Without a policy, there can be no sustainability. And sustainability demands responsibility. Right now, those elements are missing, and we’re just playing games. The President must find the courage to make a change. It feels like the country is wasting its time, energy, and resources. We need a minister who can align with a clear vision for tourism.” He said.