By Janefrances Chibuzor
Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, President of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), has called for better regulation, training, and youth education in Nigeria’s tourism sector to ensure professionalism and long-term growth.
Speaking at the 2025 African Hospitality and Tourism Education Summit (AHTES) held at the BWC Hotel, Lagos, Mustapha said untrained individuals continue to mismanage tourists and damage the country’s image.
“In this industry, there has to be regulation,” she said. “You see people handling tourists without the right knowledge. That’s why we need to train them properly. We need to catch them young and let them know this is a career path, not just a fallback when jobs are scarce.”
She noted that she had recently been nominated to a judiciary panel focused on tourism enforcement and emphasised the need to harmonise existing policies.
Over 200 participants, including students, operators, and government officials, attended the summit. Three panel sessions featured key players from companies and institutions such as, Yaba College of Technology, Aeroport Group of Companies, among others.
Students presented innovative ideas and performed skits on tourism practices, while the Nike Art Gallery cultural troupe thrilled guests with a traditional dance performance.
Mustapha also urged the government to support tourism education through improved infrastructure, security, and affordable schooling. “Let young people access technical and university education. Let them create their niche, get the training, and do it well.”
She said NATOP would support voluntary internships and mentorship for students to help them gain practical knowledge and avoid joining the industry unprepared.
“This summit is a good step. We’re grooming the next generation to take tourism seriously, as a profession, not just something they fall into by chance,” she added.
