The Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Olayiwola Awakan, paid a working visit to Hannatu Musa Musawa, Honourable Minister of the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, as part of ongoing efforts to align policy direction, operational priorities, and long term strategy for Nigeria’s tourism sector.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the NTDA to brief the Minister on its current initiatives and forward looking plans, with particular emphasis on boosting inbound tourism, expanding Nigeria’s visibility at major global tourism markets, and reshaping how the country’s story is told internationally. Discussions centred on presenting a more accurate and compelling narrative of Nigeria, one that reflects the nation’s cultural depth, creative energy, people, and diverse destinations.
Tourism was highlighted as more than a leisure industry, but as a strategic platform for national cohesion, economic inclusion, and renewed confidence. Both parties acknowledged the sector’s potential to create jobs across regions, support creative and cultural industries, and strengthen Nigeria’s global image through authentic experiences rather than stereotypes.
The Honourable Minister commended the progress recorded by the Authority and reaffirmed the Ministry’s full support for its mandate. She noted that direct engagement with Nigeria often changes perceptions, as visitors encounter the country’s warmth, diversity, and shared humanity, qualities that are rarely captured by headlines alone.
The meeting was also attended by the Permanent Secretary, Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, alongside senior officials from both institutions. Together, they agreed on the need for deeper coordination and sustained collaboration to position Nigeria as a welcoming, market ready, and unified tourism destination.
The engagement concluded with a shared commitment to open Nigeria more confidently to the world, unlock opportunities across all regions, and build a tourism ecosystem that delivers value for communities, creatives, and the wider economy.
