Akwaaba 2025 Ignites Lagos, Spotlighting Ibom Air and Nigeria’s Top Tourism States
The 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market
With heavyweight backing from the Lagos State Government, Air Peace, Gambia, Wakanow, and Interswitch, Akwaaba’s mission—rooted in the mantra “Africa travel Africa”—continues to gain traction. Since its inception in 2004, the event has steadily grown into a rallying point for unity, empowerment, and self-determination within Africa’s travel sector.
The opening ceremony set the tone for three days of lively discourse and celebration. Convenor and tourism advocate Mr. Ikechi Uko captured the spirit of the gathering, declaring, “Nobody believed Africans could travel within Africa.” His call to action was unmistakable: “If more than 10% of Africans travel within Africa, no African airline, no African destination, no black person will suffer. We gotta make it louder.”
This message of unity, echoed by voices from government and industry, underscored the event’s focus on African ownership of its tourism narrative. Dr. Abisoye Fagade, Director General/CEO of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), stressed the sector’s role as a catalyst for economic diversification and sustainable development, especially in Nigeria. “Tourism and the creative economy have been identified as critical pillars for Nigeria’s economic diversification and sustainable growth. We must organize, represent, and present ourselves to the world with one common voice,” he urged attendees.
But Akwaaba is as much about spectacle as it is about strategy. The much-anticipated Jollof Rice War delivered a fierce culinary showdown, with Eko Hotel’s master chef taking home the coveted crown and a N250,000 prize for the first time—proving that the continent’s culinary rivalries are as passionate as its policy debates.
The event also shone a spotlight on excellence within the region’s tourism industry. Ekiti, Lagos, and Cross River States were recognised as “Most Active Tourism States,” while the Governor of Ekiti was celebrated as “Tourism Governor.” Kwara and Plateau earned accolades for hosting Nigeria’s “Top Festivals,” and Ibom Air soared above the competition, taking home the title of “Best Airline.”
The energy of the Calabar Carnival dancers electrified the venue, with dazzling costumes and rhythmic choreography embodying the spirit of Nigeria’s premier cultural events. The exhibition stands further added to the spectacle, presenting an array of products, services, and destinations that highlighted the dynamism and depth of Africa’s travel sector.
For African travel professionals, Akwaaba 2025 offered fresh evidence that Lagos is emerging as a premier tourism and business hub. The event rides on the momentum of Nigeria’s booming domestic tourism, which is driving up hotel revenues and expanding opportunities for airlines and destinations. As delegates mingled, forged partnerships, and shared their visions for Africa’s tourism future, it became clear that Akwaaba has evolved far beyond a trade show; it is now a vibrant expression of Africa’s determination to tell its own story and shape its own destiny in the global travel arena.
This year’s edition not only celebrated the achievements of industry leaders like Ibom Air and Nigeria’s top tourism states but also reinforced the importance of collaboration, creativity, and pride in African hospitality. As the curtains close on another successful Akwaaba, the message resounds louder than ever: Africa is ready to chart its own course—and the world is taking notice.
