Minister Musawa Applauds National Hospitality and Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum. ..... Says collaboration key to diversification

Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa and Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Mr Ola Awakan at the finale of the National Hospitality and Tourism Stakeholders Forum in Abuja.

"The ministry will keep showcasing Nigerian and African culture while connecting private-sector players to market opportunities." Musawa Esq.

..... Says "The new travel-market platform gives stakeholders ownership and a framework to expand globally." 

Nigeria's Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa has commended the National Hospitality and Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum, which concluded in Abuja on Wednesday.

The Stakeholders Forum, which was onvened by the Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Dr. Ola Awakani, gathered government officials, industry leaders, associations and partners to strengthen alignment, spur collaboration, and drive actionable steps to reposition tourism as an engine for diversification, investment and job creation.

Minister Musawa praised the DG’s commitment and energy for producing a practical roadmap that links culture, entertainment and tourism to growth and employment. She said consistency, public-private partnership and annual follow-up will turn Nigeria’s creative assets into development gains.

“This forum will be an annual staple. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, we are deliberately repositioning tourism as a central pillar of economic diversification and national identity. Bringing previously fragmented sectors into one coordinated ecosystem unlocks synergies, drives efficiency, and positions Nigeria as a global cultural and tourism powerhouse,” she said.

Musawa added that the ministry will keep showcasing Nigerian and African culture while connecting private-sector players to market opportunities. 

“The new travel-market platform gives stakeholders ownership and a framework to expand globally,” she noted.

Earlier, Dr. Awakani thanked operators for embracing the “out-of-the-ordinary” energy in the room. 

“Tourism cannot move forward in isolation,” he said, pledging NTDA’s continued role as convener. He highlighted the partnership of government, hoteliers, creatives and tour promoters in co-creating a roadmap that ties culture and entertainment to jobs, with consistency and the annual forum sustaining momentum.

Held under the theme; “Shaping the Future of Nigerian Tourism Together,”the forum aimed to forge a public–private alliance in support of the President’s diversification agenda.

Attendees included Dr. Kabir Ali Masanawa, Executive Director of the Katsina State History and Culture Bureau; Hajiya Aisha Lawan Saji Rano, Kano State Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare, Nigeria’s first Professor of Dance, Choreography and Performing Aesthetics; and NTDA directors and staff.

This is contained in a statement issued and signed by Nneka Ikemi Anibeze, SA Media and Publicity, Office of the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.