The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has commended the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Olayiwola Awakan, for the progress recorded by the Authority since his assumption of office, describing the efforts as critical to rebuilding confidence in Nigeria’s tourism narrative.
The Minister made the remarks during a meeting with the NTDA Director-General, where she was briefed on the Authority’s activities, including engagements with international tourism markets, participation in global expos and inbound destination marketing initiatives.
Also in attendance was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, MFR, mni, alongside senior officials of both the Ministry and NTDA.
During the engagement, Minister Musawa further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging inbound tourism and international visibility as strategic tools for national unity, economic inclusion and global repositioning.
She stressed that tourism must be intentionally positioned beyond revenue generation, serving as a bridge that connects people, communities and cultures while promoting national cohesion.
Dr. Olayiwola Awakan during his address, disclosed that the Authority’s deliberate focus is on increasing Nigeria’s visibility at major international tourism markets and expos, describing them as essential platforms for attracting investors, airlines, tour operators and destination partners.
He added that NTDA is working closely with state governments and the private sector to present Nigeria as a unified tourism destination while allowing each region to project its unique identity.
The Permanent Secretary to the Ministry, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, also reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for NTDA’s programmes, noting that tourism remains a powerful tool for economic diversification, youth engagement and social integration
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