The Nigeria Association of Tour Operators, NATOP, on Wednesday commissioned its first permanent secretariat in Lagos, marking what industry leaders described as a landmark step toward institutionalizing and stabilizing domestic tourism in Nigeria.
The event, held in Lagos, also coinsides with the association’s 10th Annual General Meeting, which was deliberately moved to Lagos to recognize the state’s long-standing support for tourism practitioners.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Lagos State Government, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Adebopo Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, said the commissioning aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of building local tourism as a pathway to international opportunities.
“From what I know, it has taken a lot of guts, a lot of corporation, a lot of hard work for them to open this place today,” she said. “And I am happy because it will further buttress and enhance what the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu believes in. He believes in local tourism that eventually leads to limitless opportunities internationally. You know we think global but we act local.”
She noted that the secretariat is designed to be an open hub for both practitioners and non-practitioners to promote tourism businesses in Lagos and Nigeria.
“This place provides an avenue for practitioners and non-practitioners as well, to come do their businesses, promote tourism in Lagos state and in Nigeria. So it is open to everybody. If you know anybody looking for a place to do his or her business to expose what Nigeria is all about as regards tourism to the world, come to this place. And they are open and willing to accept you,” Oyekan-Ismaila added.
The Permanent Secretary described the new secretariat as a One-Stop Hub for Tourism Business, highlighting the different sections within the new facility, including a massage area, culinary section, “just relax” section, broadcast section, and a dedicated space to “promote Lagos and Nigeria.”
“So there are different things that are here. So I am very, very happy that this is happening today,” she said.
Speaking on the state’s partnership with operators, she affirmed that Lagos remains open to collaboration, noting that tourism is a key pillar of the state’s economy.
“Our ministry is collaborating with tour operators, that is why I am here. I am representing the commissioner of tourism, I am representing the governor of Lagos and I am also representing the entire state here. So that shows you that we are open to collaboration,” she said.
She further explained why Lagos hosted the AGM.
“The AGM was supposed to be held in another state but they brought it to Lagos to host. Because Lagos State has always supported tourism practitioners. We in Lagos State are very, very ready for collaboration because we know that tourism limitless opportunities, billions of dollars, a lot of potentials and adds to the GDP. So that is why we collaborate with tour operators every time. So tourism in Lagos State, tourism in Nigeria is just starting.”
Addressing the long-standing issue of multiple taxation, Oyekan-Ismaila said the problem has been largely resolved under the current administration.
“In Lagos State, I can tell you categorically that it has reduced because the governor insisted that all taxes should be harmonized. The federal government has also done the same. So the issue of multiple taxation is in the past. It doesn’t happen again, and where such happens, our office is always open and ready to take this up,” she stated.
She however urged operators to comply with tax obligations to avoid complications. “The problem is, a lot of people do not want to pay tax at all. But once you pay and you can show that you have paid, I am sure they can’t tax you twice.”
On the relationship with NATOP, she described it as “very cordial” and said Lagos is “always ready to support tour operators, financially and morally at all times.”
Also speaking, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Nkereuwem Onung, said the secretariat represents stability and structure for the association.
“This secretariat connotes stability, structure, and it gives credence to the future. It means domestic tourism will be stabilized in the country and we need to work harder to promote Nigeria,” Onung said.
“For states who want to do well in tourism, they need to court with NATOP.”
NATOP President, Hajia Bolaji Mustapha, said the new secretariat will strengthen the association’s mandate to promote domestic tourism across the country.
Chairperson of the 10th AGM Planning Committee and National Executive member, Joy Alexander, described the commissioning as historic for the association.
“The opening of this secretariat today is a landmark event because this is our first secretariat, so it is a big deal. And I would like to say congratulations to my president, Hajia Bolaji Mustapha and every member of Nigeria Association of Tour Operators,” Alexander said.
“So the fact that we now have this secretariat, it will position us right in the tourism space both locally and internationally. Because we can now be associated with a venue.”
With the new secretariat now operational in Lagos, NATOP says it is better positioned to coordinate tour operators, attract investment, and project Nigeria’s tourism offerings to both domestic and international markets.
