The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr Ola Awakan, has secured the endorsement of His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for Nigeria’s participation at the 2026 World Travel Market (WTM) in London, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s tourism sector and expand its global visibility.
The endorsement came during a courtesy visit by the NTDA Director-General to the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where Mr Awakan briefed him on the Authority’s ongoing initiatives and plans to position tourism as a driver of economic diversification, employment generation, investment attraction and national development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Discussions during the visit also centred on the reactivation of the Presidential Council on Tourism and other key areas requiring attention to restructure the tourism sector and strengthen its contribution to economic diversification and national development.
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President Tinubu also commended the NTDA Director-General for his initiatives in collaboration, innovation and immersive storytelling within his first year in office, recognising the need for fresh approaches to promoting Nigeria’s tourism potential.
During the visit, Mr Awakan decorated the President with the NTDA Tourism Ambassador muffler, recognising his contributions to tourism development.
The DG also presented the President with a publication titled Tourism as a Strategic Instrument for Economic Diversification and National Development. The publication highlights the role of tourism in driving economic growth, creating jobs, attracting investments and supporting national development, while aligning with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Nigeria’s participation at WTM London 2026 will provide an important platform to showcase the country’s tourism assets, promote its destinations to international markets, build strategic partnerships and attract investment into the sector.
