The 2025 Destination Nigeria Governors’ Tourism Conference and Awards opened in Abuja on Friday with a resounding call for stronger state–federal collaboration, deeper private-sector participation and enhanced cultural diplomacy to reposition tourism as a major economic frontier for Nigeria. The two-day programme, which ends on Saturday, 15th November, attracted governors, security chiefs, corporate leaders, cultural practitioners and top policymakers.
Initiated and convened by Ayo Omotosho, the annual conference continues to serve as a meeting point for strategic dialogue, peer learning and recognition of outstanding contributions to tourism development across the federation.
Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, described tourism as a powerful engine for job creation, global competitiveness and national rebranding. She urged states to invest more aggressively in destination marketing, cultural infrastructure and creative-industry partnerships that align with President Tinubu’s broader economic diversification agenda.
Federal Capital Territory Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, represented by his Senior Special Assistant,Barr. Udo, commended the organisers for maintaining a platform that elevate tourism in national discourse. Barr.Wike was honoured with Mr Tourism Infrastructure Award, presented by former NTDC Director-General Mrs. Omotayo Omotosho, in recognition of his infrastructural contributions that continue to enhance the FCT’s appeal to visitors.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, represented by the DG Benue state Arts Culture Tourism Development,in his goodwill message, highlighted Benue’s vast cultural heritage and natural endowments, noted that tourism presented states with opportunities for income generation while safeguarding identity. He praised the conference for fostering inter-state learning and shaping policy conversations that strengthen tourism nationwide.
Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap, who was also a senior officer,in her goodwill message, stressed the Nigeria Immigration Service’s critical role in facilitating seamless travel and improving Nigeria’s global image as a visitor-friendly destination. She said the NIS is committed to modernising border processes, strengthening visa facilitation and deepening inter-agency collaboration to ensure that tourism inflows are safe, orderly and efficiently managed. Nandap noted that a vibrant tourism industry must rest on effective mobility systems that welcome investors, tourists and cultural enthusiasts from around the world.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by ACP Lamido Alkali, assured stakeholders of enhanced security support across tourism corridors, saying no destination flourishes without safety.
He was not honoured at the event.
Corporate Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to the sector, with Michael Olaniyi, Head, Business Enterprise, MTN Nigeria, stating that MTN will continue to strengthen the digital infrastructure and technological ecosystem that enable modern tourism, hospitality innovation and creative-economy expansion.
Day 1 featured robust business sessions where experts, investors and government representatives discussed tourism financing, destination competitiveness, infrastructure renewal, security, digital tourism, content creation and the role of technology in shaping visitor experiences. The sessions produced actionable recommendations for repositioning Nigeria as a top African tourism hub.
Adding vibrancy to the evening, the National Troupe of Nigeria delivered a captivating cultural performance that celebrated the country’s artistic diversity and drew enthusiastic applause from participants.
In his remarks, convener Ayo Omotosho expressed satisfaction with the depth of discourse and quality of participation, noting that the 2025 edition has further reinforced the conference’s reputation as a key driver of national tourism advocacy, investment mobilisation and cultural diplomacy.
The two-day event continue through Saturday with more sessions, engagements and award presentations to states and individuals making measurable contributions to tourism advancement in Nigeria.
