Berexnews
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has pledged the full backing of the organized private sector for the upcoming 2025 Tourism and Hospitality Summit as preparations formally kicked off with the inauguration of the Planning Committee in Abuja.
Speaking during the ceremony held at the Minister’s Conference Room, Federal Secretariat Phase II, newly elected FTAN President, Dr. Badaki Aliyu, described the summit as a timely and strategic intervention that could reposition Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality landscape for national and international relevance.
Dr. Aliyu praised the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy for initiating the summit and commended the inclusive nature of the planning committee, which he said reflects a deliberate effort to carry all stakeholders along—from federal and state government institutions to local authorities and private sector operators.
“This is the direction we have long advocated for. The tourism and hospitality sector needs synergy, structure, and sustainability,” Dr. Aliyu said. “With proper coordination, this summit can be a turning point. FTAN and the entire private sector are ready to play our part to ensure its success.”
He emphasized the private sector’s readiness to contribute resources, expertise, and networks to strengthen the summit’s impact and legacy. According to him, effective collaboration with government institutions and development partners is key to unlocking the industry’s full potential.
The summit, scheduled to hold in Abuja from November 24 to 25, is being organized by the Ministry in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG). It is expected to draw local and international participants for discussions, exhibitions, and policy-shaping dialogues.
Though brief, the ceremony also served to recognize the evolving role of tourism in national development. Representatives from NESG, Ministry officials, and other stakeholders were present to express their commitment to a successful outing.
Director of International Tourism at the Ministry, Dorathy Duruaku, reassured the gathering of the committee’s dedication, stating that the planning would be thorough and the event impactful. She highlighted that the Ministry sees this summit as an opportunity not only for dialogue but for realignment with global tourism best practices.
A representative of NESG reiterated the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting tourism-led growth. “Tourism is economic development. This partnership is about long-term change,” the NESG official noted.
The event also featured a cake-cutting ceremony to commemorate the inauguration and to celebrate FTAN’s recently concluded Annual General Meeting, which brought Dr. Aliyu into office. In a show of unity, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary congratulated the FTAN President and expressed confidence in the new leadership’s capacity to energize the sector through strategic partnerships.
The Planning Committee is expected to oversee all aspects of the summit, including program design, content development, stakeholder engagement, sponsorship mobilization, media outreach, and post-summit reporting. The diverse composition of the committee reflects the Ministry’s goal of achieving cross-sectoral input in shaping the summit’s outcomes.
As preparations begin, the mood among stakeholders remains optimistic. Many view the 2025 summit as a unique opportunity to renew commitment to building a robust, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism sector—one that delivers economic returns, preserves cultural heritage, and opens new frontiers for investment.
With FTAN’s support firmly declared, all eyes are now on the planning committee to deliver a summit that will leave a lasting footprint on Nigeria’s tourism future.
