Nigeria’s National Assembly Strengthens Support for Tourism Sector Growth
The Chairman of the House Committee on Delegated Legislation, Hon. Richard Olufemi Bamisile, has reaffirmed the National Assembly's commitment to advancing Nigeria’s tourism sector through effective legislation and strategic oversight. During a recent familiarisation visit to the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Bamisile emphasized the critical role of tourism in driving economic growth, job creation, and enhancing the nation’s global image.
Speaking on the purpose of the visit, Bamisile described the engagement as timely and said the Committee is tasked with reviewing statutory instruments and regulations issued by various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure alignment with primary laws and good governance. He stressed that the Committee acts as a bridge between legislative intent and executive implementation, with a goal to foster partnership and mutual understanding rather than conducting fault-finding missions.
"Tourism is a powerful driver of economic growth and national pride," said Bamisile. He highlighted its potential to unlock opportunities across Nigeria, provided the sector is supported by strong legislation and coordinated efforts. The visit allowed the Committee to assess the NTDA’s operations and gain insights into the challenges facing the sector, including funding constraints, infrastructure gaps, security concerns, and the need to remain globally competitive. Bamisile assured the NTDA of the National Assembly’s support for regulatory reforms and initiatives aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural and natural heritage assets.
In his response, NTDA Director-General, Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, welcomed the lawmakers, describing legislation as the backbone of the Authority’s efforts to regulate, develop, and promote tourism in Nigeria. Awakan acknowledged that Nigeria is blessed with vast cultural and natural tourism assets and said the NTDA’s programmes are aligned with the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda. However, he also pointed out key challenges, including inadequate funding and the need for better regulatory coordination.
Awakan highlighted ongoing legislative efforts aimed at moving tourism to the concurrent legislative list, which would allow for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments. He explained that this change would empower states to play a more active role in developing tourism, thus decentralizing decision-making and enabling tailored approaches to local tourism development.
The Director-General also outlined the NTDA’s partnerships with government agencies, state governments, and the private sector as essential to the success of the sector. He cited initiatives such as Nigeria’s participation in international tourism markets and the Naija Flavour Project, which aims to showcase the country’s unique cultural experiences and culinary offerings. Awakan expressed optimism that sustained legislative backing will unlock the full potential of the tourism sector, driving economic growth and fostering a renewed sense of national pride.
Both parties underscored the importance of protecting Nigeria’s heritage assets and promoting the country as a global tourism destination. Bamisile reiterated the National Assembly’s resolve to support the sector through reforms that ensure proper funding, strengthen regulations, and enhance security for tourists. He noted that these steps are necessary to position Nigeria competitively on the global tourism stage.
The NTDA’s efforts to align with the Federal Government’s economic goals come at a critical time when tourism is increasingly viewed as a key driver of diversification in Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy. By leveraging its rich cultural heritage, natural attractions, and vibrant traditions, the country has the opportunity to reposition itself as a leading destination in Africa. However, achieving this vision requires addressing persistent challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and limited international marketing.
As Nigeria continues to prioritize tourism, the collaboration between the National Assembly and the NTDA signals a unified approach to overcoming obstacles and realizing the sector’s immense potential. With legislative support, strategic partnerships, and a focus on sustainability, Nigeria is poised to transform its tourism industry into a cornerstone of the economy, offering opportunities for both local communities and international investors.
