Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), has underscored tourism’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic renewal, describing it as a powerful engine for growth, job creation, and cultural promotion.
Speaking at the 2026 National Tourism and Hospitality Stakeholders Forum held in Abuja, Dr. Awakan aligned the sector’s potential with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising that diversification remains a cornerstone of the administration’s economic blueprint.
“Across the world, tourism continues to stand out as a strong driver of economic growth, creating jobs, attracting investment and supporting local communities,” the NTDA boss declared.
He painted an optimistic picture for Nigeria, noting that with focused investment and strategic direction, the tourism sector can significantly strengthen the national economy while proudly showcasing the country’s rich and diverse cultural identity to the global stage.
Dr. Awakan stressed that the Renewed Hope Agenda recognises tourism not merely as a leisure activity but as a viable economic alternative capable of reducing over-reliance on traditional sectors and opening new frontiers of opportunity for Nigerians.
The forum, which brought together key players across the tourism value chain, provided a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on collaborative strategies to unlock the sector’s full potential. Participants engaged on ways to enhance infrastructure, improve visitor experiences, and foster public-private partnerships.
As Nigeria continues to reposition its tourism offering under the current administration, Dr. Awakan’s remarks signal a renewed push to transform the sector into a major contributor to GDP, employment, and sustainable development.
TOHO.ng, Nigeria’s leading tourism and hospitality platform, views this high-level engagement as a promising indication of the government’s commitment to building a resilient and diversified economy where tourism takes centre stage.
The forum continues to generate robust conversations on shaping the future of Nigerian tourism through innovation, inclusivity, and strategic collaboration.
