The Director General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority, Dr. Olayiwola (Ola) Awakan, alongside his team from the Lagos Zonal Office and Abiola Adelana, Tourism and Creative Arts Business Manager at Sterling Bank, paid a strategic courtesy call on the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Canada. 
Warmly received by Mr. Carlos Rojas-Arbulu at the Canadian Deputy High Commission, the delegation engaged in forward-looking discussions aimed at reshaping global narratives around Nigeria’s rich tourism potential. The meeting highlighted the country’s diverse cultural heritage, vibrant creative industries, and untapped attractions—from pristine beaches and ancient kingdoms to world-class festivals and eco-tourism sites—positioning Nigeria as a premier destination on the global stage. 
Talks explored concrete opportunities for future collaborations, with emphasis on joint tourism promotion campaigns, deeper diaspora engagement to harness the Nigerian community in Canada, vibrant cultural exchange programmes, and active participation in international events and trade fairs. Both sides expressed commitment to institutional partnerships that leverage Canada’s expertise in tourism marketing, sustainable development, and investment facilitation alongside Nigeria’s authentic offerings. 
This engagement aligns with NTDA’s mandate under Dr. Awakan’s leadership—appointed in September 2025—to drive President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through tourism as a key driver of economic diversification, job creation, and cultural diplomacy. Abiola Adelana’s involvement underscores the growing role of private sector finance in supporting tourism infrastructure and creative enterprises. 
The meeting reflects broader Canada-Nigeria ties, rooted in decades of diplomatic relations since 1960 and expanding trade and people-to-people connections. As Nigeria intensifies efforts to elevate its tourism profile amid global recovery, such high-level dialogues signal promising pathways for investment, knowledge exchange, and mutual growth in the sector. 
Stakeholders view the visit as a timely step toward unlocking Nigeria’s tourism dividends while fostering stronger bilateral bonds.
