Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John has inaugurated a Committee for the Review of the National Tourism and Hospitality Policy and the Nigerian Tourism Development Master Plan.
Cross section of members of the National Tourism Policy Review Committee inauguration with the Minister of Tourism, Ms Lola Ade-John
A statement signed by the Director of Public Relations & Press, Chindaya Ahmadu, said the inauguration of the committee formally kick starts plans by the Federal Government geared towards repositioning and shaping Nigeria’s tourism sector and reviving its stalled industry.
The committee comprises directors from various ministries, industry experts, and representatives from the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony which took place in Abuja, Thursday, April 25, the minister said the committee, which comprises diverse groups of public and private stakeholders, aims to harness collective wisdom, expertise, and creativity to craft policies and master plans ‘that will propel Nigeria to new heights as a premier tourist destination.’
According to her, the inauguration ‘underscores the government’s commitment to driving economic diversification in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.’
Ade-John who also emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, further urged members of the committee to share insights and contribute constructively to the process.
According to the minister, the committee’s mandate includes the review of the existing National Tourism and Hospitality Policy, last updated in 2005, to ensure alignment with current global trends and address emerging challenges.
In addition, the committee is expected to evaluate and update the Nigerian Tourism Development Master Plan to provide a strategic roadmap for the growth and development of the sector.
The minister further highlighted the transformative potential of tourism, emphasizing its role in promoting economic growth, sustainable development, cultural exchange, and social cohesion.
The minister charged the committee to ensure that it comes up with a comprehensive and sustainable policy framework to fully harness the country’s tourism potential adapted to the changing dynamics of the global tourism industry.
The committee members are expected to craft policies aligned with global best practices while meeting Nigeria’s unique needs and aspirations.
“With strategic planning and innovation, Nigeria aims to become a leading tourism destination in Africa and globally.
“I am confident of the committee’s ability to deliver a comprehensive, forward-thinking tourism policy and masterplan that will unlock the nation’s boundless potentia,” the minister stated at the ceremony.
According to the Special Assistant to the minister on Media, Elizabeth Ofili, a comprehensive list of members to be listed in the various subcommittees to constitute the main review committee will be made available soon.
The complete list of members of the National Tourism Policy Review Committee includes:
1. Dorothy Duruaku, Director, International Tourism Relation and Cooperation
2. Nelson Orji, Director, Legal Services, FMT
3. Sunday M. Bisong, Director, Domestic Tourism, FMT
4. Jibike Teniola, SA Policy and Legal to HM Tourism
5. Phillip Maga, Director NIHOTOUR
6. Friday Anumba, Director Special Duties, NTDA
7. Ngozi Ngoka, Thematic Lead, Tourism and Hospitality Industries Thematic Group (THITG), Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG)/Managing Consultant, Zigona Advisory
8. Dr Ikenna Nwosu, Facilitator, Nigerian Economic Summit
Group (NESG)
9. Professor Tunji Azeez, Dean, School of Tourism, Film,
Performing Arts, and Cultural Studies
10. Alhaji Idris Samaila Nyam, CEO, ISN Consults Ltd (Former Commissioner for Commerce and Tourism, Kaduna State)
11. Mrs. N. Isaac-Moses, CEO, Goge Africa
12. Mrs. Abosede Ayeni, CEO, Tantalizers Nigeria Ltd. Alhaji Murtala
13. Mohammed Alamai, Chief Lecturer, Tourism Management Technology Department. Federal Polytechnic Bauchi State
14. Mrs Enitan Rewane, (Immediate Past Chair, Committee for Travel, Tourism and Hospitality, Section on Business Law, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA-SBL).
