Tinubu Named Grand Patron of Tourism as NTDA Pursues Private Sector Investment
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been decorated as Grand Patron and Ambassador of Tourism in Nigeria as the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) seeks stronger private-sector participation to develop the country’s tourism industry.
The Director-General of the NTDA, Dr Olayiwola Awakan, reportedly decorated the president during a meeting at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, October 27.
According to the account of the meeting, Awakan said the authority was exploring partnerships with private investors to develop Nigeria’s tourism potential and improve the country’s standing as a destination for local and international visitors.
He also outlined plans involving a dedicated tourism streaming platform, tour services and information desks at international airports to improve access to information about tourist attractions.
The proposed initiatives are part of efforts to promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage, natural attractions and tourism destinations while encouraging economic activities linked to travel and hospitality.
Awakan also called for stronger collaboration with state governments, stressing the need for coordinated efforts to develop tourism across the country.
The NTDA chief said Tinubu was committed to making tourism a significant contributor to Nigeria’s economy.
The State House confirmed that Tinubu received Awakan on Tuesday to discuss tourism’s potential to support economic diversification, job creation, investment generation and national development. Its published account of the meeting, however, did not mention the decoration.
One of the authority’s ongoing digital initiatives is NITOUREY, a tourism-focused streaming platform intended to showcase Nigerian destinations through films and other visual content.
Awakan disclosed in an interview published by the News Agency of Nigeria on October 22 that development of the platform was about 75 to 80 per cent complete, with its unveiling expected in 2027.
The platform is being developed in partnership with private-sector stakeholders and is intended to connect viewers interested in featured destinations with opportunities to visit them.
The authority has also pursued plans to restore tourism information desks at major airports in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, following discussions between the two agencies in January 2026.
The proposed desks are expected to provide visitors with information about tourist attractions, travel options and other relevant services.
Nigeria’s ability to turn its tourism potential into sustained economic benefits will depend on effective implementation, investment in tourism infrastructure and cooperation between federal and state authorities, alongside private-sector operators.
