Dr. Aliyu Badaki, the President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), has issued a compelling call to the government, urging it to position tourism as a fundamental pillar for national development. He made this declaration at the recent Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) 2025 in Abuja.
Policy Integration and Historic Collaboration
Badaki revealed that one of FTAN's major achievements this year was its full participation in the final review of the National Tourism Policy. This process was coordinated by the Nigeria Economic Summit Group under the guidance of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.
He described this involvement as a landmark moment for the private sector, where FTAN's input was not only heard but deeply integrated into the final policy document. According to Badaki, the policy now reflects shared priorities, private-sector realities, and global best practices.
Furthermore, he announced the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FTAN, the Ministry, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), and the National Gallery of Art (NGA). This agreement, Badaki stated, marks a new era of structured collaboration, formally recognising the private sector as a major engine for tourism growth and creating pathways for joint projects in marketing, destination development, and standards improvement.
The Tourism Transformation Mandate in Action
Badaki outlined his Tourism Transformation Mandate, which focuses on three core areas: growing tourism through partnerships and policy influence, transforming FTAN's institutional framework, and expanding market development and national image amplification.
He emphasised that this mandate is now an active blueprint guiding FTAN's actions. Following his inauguration, the association convened a strategic executive retreat to align priorities and implementation pathways. This was followed by a series of courtesy visits to key government agencies, including the Ministry, NTDA, and NGA, to strengthen institutional trust and public-private alignment.
Badaki also highlighted expanded diplomatic engagements with various embassies and high commissions. These meetings, he noted, opened strategic channels for cultural exchange, tourism promotion, and bilateral cooperation, confirming international interest in Nigeria's vast tourism potential.
A Call for Investment and Sustained Commitment
With the new tourism policy, stronger collaborations, and an energised creative industry, Badaki asserted that Nigeria is primed for unprecedented tourism investment. He informed potential investors of limitless opportunities across multiple sectors, including:
- Hospitality and Ecotourism
- Entertainment and Creative Festivals
- MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) Tourism
- Community Tourism and Travel Technology
- Culinary Tourism and Cultural Infrastructure
The FTAN President called for increased incentives for investors, improved safety and infrastructure around tourism sites, enhanced national marketing, and the activation of structures like the Presidential Council on Tourism. He maintained that with deeper collaboration, Nigeria could unlock billions in untapped tourism value.
"Nigeria has everything it needs to become a leading tourism destination in Africa: diversity, creativity, cultural richness, natural beauty, and the warmth of our people," Badaki stated. He concluded by urging all stakeholders to build enduring partnerships, attract visionary investors, and commit to leaving a legacy of growth, unity, and transformation for the sector.
