Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), has spotlighted tourism’s rising role as a vital engine for Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Delivering a goodwill message at the 50th Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Dr. Awakan described tourism as a powerful driver of economic growth, a major source of foreign exchange earnings, and a catalyst for trade, investment, and international diplomacy.
He called on NANTA members to deepen collaboration with the NTDA through active participation in tourism initiatives, projects, and structured partnerships. “Public-private collaboration remains key to unlocking the industry’s full potential and maximising its contribution to national development,” the NTDA chief emphasised.
The milestone gathering, themed “Embracing Our Diverse Cultural Heritage from the City of Firsts: Redefining Our Role as Global Travel Ambassadors,” brought together travel professionals to reflect on five decades of service while charting a bolder future for Nigeria’s tourism and travel sector.
Dr. Awakan’s message reinforces the Federal Government’s commitment to positioning tourism as a cornerstone of economic diversification under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
