ABUJA—The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is moving to leverage its global diplomatic network to boost Nigeria’s tourism sector, following a high-level strategic engagement between the Foreign Affairs Minister and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA).
On Thursday, December 4, 2025, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, hosted the Director General of the NTDA, Dr. Olayiwola Awakan GrPr, and his team for a familiarisation visit centered on strategic collaboration.
Leveraging 109 Missions for Tourism
The core of the discussion focused on how Nigeria can significantly strengthen its tourism visibility across the world by activating the Ministry’s network of 109 foreign missions (embassies and consulates).
Both teams reached an alignment on the urgent need for stronger, clearer storytelling about Nigeria. The collaboration will focus on promoting Nigeria’s diverse array of attractions and heritage sites, including:
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Iconic natural landscapes like the Yankari Reserve and the Obudu Plateau.
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Historical sites such as the Great Walls of Kano and the ancient sand dunes of the North.
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Crucial national narratives, including contemporary stories of innovation and the deeply significant slave-route heritage.
NTDA’s Digital and Diplomatic Strategy
Dr. Awakan outlined the NTDA’s strategic approach for leveraging the Ministry’s global reach. Key initiatives shared by the DG include:
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New Promotional Videos: Deployment of fresh, high-quality promotional videos showcasing Nigeria’s culture, landscapes, and historical depth across all foreign missions.
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Mission Reception Points: Developing improved tourism reception and information points within embassies and high commissions to serve as primary outreach centers.
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Cultural Ambassadors: Initiatives to nurture and utilize Nigerian cultural ambassadors and diaspora figures in host countries to drive engagement.
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Digital Tools: Expanding the use of digital platforms to showcase Nigeria to a global audience 24/7.
Firmly Back on the Global Stage
Minister Tuggar expressed the Ministry’s full readiness to deepen collaboration, emphasizing the commitment to ensuring Nigeria’s presence at major global tourism platforms, such as the ITB Berlin (Internationale Tourismus-Börse).
The Minister stressed that this unified approach sends a clear message to the world: “Nigeria is firmly back on the global tourism stage.” The collaboration aims to strengthen cultural diplomacy, boost global visibility, and drive essential investment into Nigeria’s rich tourism assets.
