The President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Alhaji Aliu Badaki, has called for a fundamental overhaul of the way tourism is planned, funded and managed in Nigeria, blaming weak structures and inadequate government support for the sector’s slow development.
Badaki made the call at the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos, where he urged the Federal Government and other stakeholders to adopt a more coordinated approach to tourism development and create an environment where tourism businesses can thrive.
According to him, Nigeria has continued to underperform in tourism despite its vast natural and cultural attractions because of the absence of the structures needed to properly harness the sector’s economic potential.
“What we believe in is, where we are now in tourism in Nigeria is because of lack of proper structure. We cannot continue doing the same thing the same way and expect different results,” he said.
The FTAN president said the association had consistently advocated a change in the narrative around Nigerian tourism, stressing that the government must establish sustainable structures capable of strengthening tourism businesses and positioning the country as a competitive destination.
He said Nigeria was naturally endowed with significant tourism resources, but that these attractions had yet to be fully converted into economic opportunities, employment and sustainable development.
READ: Africa: Gambia Woos Nigerian Travellers, Travel Trade Ahead of Akwaaba 2026
Badaki noted that a properly structured tourism ecosystem would help businesses operate more effectively while attracting greater investment into the sector.
Badaki commends Akwaaba’s 22-year run
The FTAN president also commended the organisers of Akwaaba African Travel Market for sustaining the event for 22 consecutive editions, describing its longevity as a significant achievement for Nigeria, West Africa and the wider African tourism industry.
“Look at Akwaaba. Akwaaba is no longer a teenager; it has gone beyond that, adult. To be an adult, you know what it means. 22nd back-to-back, it is not funny,” he said.
He said sustaining a major tourism event year after year required commitment, resources and determination, particularly when the platform continued to attract tourism stakeholders from across West Africa.
“Just organising an event for a year, you know what it means, but for one person to be doing this back-to-back to be able to encourage the whole of West Africa to participate in one—under one roof—we really appreciate this,” Badaki said.
He urged tourism stakeholders to continue supporting Akwaaba and other initiatives that promote Nigeria as well as destinations and businesses across West Africa and Africa.
FTAN pledges continued support
Badaki said FTAN, as the umbrella body representing private-sector tourism businesses in Nigeria, would continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s tourism profile and creating opportunities for industry players.
“As the umbrella body of the private sector in tourism businesses, we’ll always lend our support to Akwaaba and well-meaning people that are into such a thing like this to promote our nation and West Africa and Africa in general,” he said.
He welcomed participants to the 22nd edition of the travel market and encouraged them to maximise the platform for networking, business engagement and collaboration.
He said stronger cooperation among tourism businesses and stakeholders would be critical to unlocking opportunities within Nigeria’s tourism industry and expanding the country’s participation in the regional and global tourism market.
