The Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) have strengthened their collaboration to promote tourism development, destination marketing, and community-based tourism initiatives, as the association prepares to host its 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday in Lagos on the theme “Unlocking Nigeria’s Tourism Potential: Strengthening Tour Operators for Sustainable Destination Development,” NATOP President, Hajia Bolaji Mustapha, praised Lagos State for its consistent support of the tourism sector, describing the partnership as a model for public-private collaboration in destination development.
Mustapha explained that although NATOP traditionally rotates its AGM across states with strong tourism potential, the association decided to return to Lagos this year in recognition of the state’s commitment to supporting tourism stakeholders and promoting Nigeria on the global stage.
According to her, Lagos State has worked closely with NATOP on several tourism initiatives, including the celebration of World Tourism Day and efforts to showcase Nigeria at major international tourism exhibitions.
She recalled how Lagos State partnered with the association during last year’s World Tourism Day activities, which included a tour of Takwa Bay Beach aimed at identifying challenges facing local tourism operators and residents.
During the visit, locals highlighted issues such as limited transportation access during weekdays and inadequate electricity supply. The exercise led to practical interventions, including hospitality training programmes and the provision of grilling equipment for local food vendors, with support from the Lagos State Government.
“We went there to understand their challenges firsthand. The commissioner was present, and together we listened to the community. We subsequently organized training for local caterers and provided equipment to help improve service delivery and visitor experiences,” Mustapha said.
The NATOP president also acknowledged Lagos State’s role in helping Nigeria regain visibility at major international tourism events after years of limited participation. She noted that Lagos was among the most prominent state governments supporting Nigeria’s participation at the World Travel Market in London and tourism promotion events in Dubai.
“Lagos State was instrumental in making Nigeria’s presence at the World Travel Market happen. The state has consistently demonstrated its commitment to promoting Nigeria as a tourism destination to the world,” she added.
As part of activities marking its 10th AGM anniversary, NATOP will also officially open its first-ever national secretariat on July 8. The facility is expected to serve as a resource and content creation hub for members, providing spaces for meetings, networking, photography, video production, and tourism promotion activities.
Representing the Lagos State Government at the briefing, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Adebopo Oyekan-Ismaila, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to partnering with tourism stakeholders to unlock the sector’s economic potential.
She conveyed the goodwill of the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, who was unable to attend due to official engagements abroad promoting Lagos and Nigeria.
Oyekan-Ismaila described Lagos as the nation’s tourism and entertainment hub and highlighted tourism as a key pillar of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s development agenda.
She said the state’s tourism strategy focuses on culture and heritage, entertainment and film development, meetings and conferences, beach and leisure tourism, nature and adventure tourism, as well as medical and wellness tourism.
“We believe in NATOP and appreciate the efforts of tour operators in promoting our culture, heritage, cuisine, people and destinations. Together, we are showcasing what Nigeria has to offer and creating opportunities for economic growth,” she said.
The 10th NATOP AGM is expected to attract tour operators, travel professionals, investors, hospitality businesses, government agencies and development partners from across Nigeria and beyond. The event will focus on industry collaboration, policy advocacy, destination promotion and strategies for sustainable tourism growth.
Industry stakeholders say the strengthened partnership between Lagos State and NATOP could serve as a catalyst for increased investment, job creation and greater international visibility for Nigeria’s tourism sector.
