Musawa: Nigeria Must Act Fast to Unlock Tourism Potential

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has championed the repositioning of Nigeria’s tourism sector as a key driver of economic diversification and national identity.

The Minister made this known at the conclusion of the National Hospitality and Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum in Abuja, convened by Dr Ola Awakani, Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA).

The forum brought together government officials, industry leaders, associations, and partners to strengthen alignment and drive actionable steps to reposition tourism as an engine for diversification, investment, and job creation.

Musawa praised the DG’s commitment to producing a practical roadmap that links culture, entertainment, and tourism to growth and employment.

She emphasised the need for consistency, public-private partnership, and annual follow-up to turn Nigeria’s creative assets into development gains.

“This forum will be an annual staple. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, we are deliberately repositioning tourism as a central pillar of economic diversification and national identity. Bringing previously fragmented sectors into one coordinated ecosystem unlocks synergies, drives efficiency, and positions Nigeria as a global cultural and tourism powerhouse,” she said.

Musawa added that the ministry will continue to showcase Nigerian and African culture while connecting private-sector players to market opportunities.

Earlier, Dr. Awakani thanked operators for embracing the “out-of-the-ordinary” energy in the room.

“Tourism cannot move forward in isolation,” he said while pledging NTDA’s continued role as convener.