The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has announced plans for its 27th Annual General Meeting on July 30 in Abuja, the Nigerian capital.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Alhaji Aliyu Badaki, while briefing journalists via Zoom from Abuja, said the non-elective AGM will focus on the theme “The Role of the Private Sector in the Development of Tourism in Nigeria.”

He explained that the committee members carefully chose the theme based on recent developments in both the tourism sector and the country as a whole.

The Chairman also revealed that the AGM will include a panel session featuring Her Excellency Philda Nani Kereng, the High Commissioner of Botswana to Nigeria, as the lead speaker.

He expressed confidence that her extensive experience in tourism will greatly contribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda for the tourism sector.

Alhaji Badaki highlighted that at this crucial juncture, the AGM will offer a valuable platform for both the government and the private sector to discuss challenges and strategies to advance tourism in Nigeria. He emphasized that the AGM will be highly informative and educational.

He expressed confidence that with the caliber of panelists invited, the event will be memorable and impactful.

The expected attendance of high-profile dignitaries suggests that the industry is poised for significant development, which will further contribute to the nation’s economy.

He mentioned that this will be the first time in a long while that such key players in the industry will come together to set a new direction for the sector.

Those expected include: The host, Minister of Tourism Lola Ade-John, Minister of Culture Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Sports John Owan Enoh, Director General of NTDA, Otunba Folorunsho Coker, Director General of NIHOTOUR, Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, Director General, SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, Ecowas Commissioner of Tourism , Members Board of Trustees, FTAN, and other key Stakeholders.

The AGM will serve as a flagship event for NTIFE coming up in November 2024.