Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has commended the successful conclusion of the National Hospitality and Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum, describing it as a critical step towards repositioning Nigeria’s tourism sector as a major engine for economic diversification, investment, and job creation.
The two-day forum, which ended in Abuja on Wednesday, was convened by Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA). It brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, hospitality operators, creative professionals, associations, and development partners to foster alignment, strengthen collaboration, and develop actionable strategies for the sector.
Speaking at the event, Minister Musawa praised Dr. Awakan’s commitment and leadership in producing a practical roadmap that effectively links culture, entertainment, and tourism to sustainable growth and employment opportunities.
“This forum will become an annual staple,” Musawa declared. Under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are deliberately repositioning tourism as a central pillar of economic diversification and national identity. By bringing previously fragmented sectors into one coordinated ecosystem, we will unlock synergies, drive efficiency, and position Nigeria as a global cultural and tourism powerhouse.”
The Minister emphasised that consistency, robust public-private partnerships, and regular follow-up mechanisms would be key to transforming Nigeria’s rich creative assets into tangible development gains. She added that the ministry would continue to showcase Nigerian and African culture while actively connecting private sector players to viable market opportunities.
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“The new travel-market platform gives stakeholders ownership and a clear framework to expand globally,” she noted.
Earlier, Dr. Awakan thanked participants for the high energy and collaborative spirit displayed throughout the forum. “Tourism cannot move forward in isolation,” he said, reaffirming NTDA’s commitment to serve as the convener and catalyst for sustained industry progress.
He highlighted the importance of the partnership between government, hoteliers, creatives, and tour promoters in co-creating a comprehensive roadmap that ties culture and entertainment directly to job creation.
The forum, held under the theme “Shaping the Future of Nigerian Tourism Together”, aligned with President Tinubu’s broader economic diversification agenda through enhanced public-private sector collaboration.
Key attendees included Dr. Kabir Ali Masanawa, Executive Director of the Katsina State History and Culture Bureau; Hajiya Aisha Lawan Saji Rano, Kano State Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare, Nigeria’s first Professor of Dance, Choreography and Performing Aesthetics; as well as directors and senior staff of the NTDA.
