NTIFE 2025: Musawa Calls for Partnerships, Investment in Nigeria’s Tourism Sector

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The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannah Musa Musawa, has called on private sector investors to partner with the federal government, outlining an ambitious roadmap to transform Nigeria into a premier global destination for tourism and commerce.

Speaking in Abuja at the eighth edition of the Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) 2025 on November 28, Musawa articulated a strategic vision in which the creative and tourism sectors become central pillars of the national economy. 

The minister revealed the government’s aggressive target: to increase the sector’s contribution to $100 billion by 2030 and generate over 2 million jobs, explicitly targeting the nation’s youth.

The forum, organised by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), was themed ‘National Tourism Investment and Global Partnership’ and focused on securing the future of Nigeria’s tourism industry.

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Minister Musawa was candid about the challenges facing the industry, acknowledging historical deficits in infrastructure and policy frameworks that have previously stifled growth. However, she emphasised that the establishment of her ministry signals a renewed federal commitment to resolving these bottlenecks.

She highlighted that the government is actively signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with various states and corporate entities. These agreements align with the presidential directive to prioritise Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) as the primary vehicle for development.

Musawa stressed that NTIFE is not merely a platform for exhibition but a launchpad for economic transformation. She invited domestic and international stakeholders to look beyond the surface and see the immense value in Nigeria’s cultural assets.

“Today, I extend an invitation to all investors, stakeholders, and partners: Invest in Nigeria’s heritage, creativity, and natural beauty. Partner with us to build world-class cultural hubs, heritage sites, resorts, creative cities, entertainment infrastructure, and more,” Musawa stated.

She further emphasised that collaboration is key to nurturing local talent and exporting Nigeria’s rich heritage on the global stage.

Concluding her address, the minister urged operators to engage directly with the ministry to understand the new initiatives and explore value-driven collaborations.

“Together, we can transform Nigeria into a global destination hub where culture meets commerce, tradition meets innovation, and our diversity becomes a source of pride, unity, and prosperity,” she affirmed.

With sustainability at the core of this new roadmap, the federal government is positioning Nigeria not just as a travel destination but as a formidable competitor in the global creative economy.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main economic goal for Nigeria’s tourism sector? 

The Ministry aims for the tourism and creative sectors to contribute $100 billion to the national economy by the year 2030.

How many jobs does the government plan to create through this initiative? 

The vision includes creating over 2 million jobs, with a specific focus on employing young people in the creative and tourism industries.

What strategy is the government using to achieve these goals? 

The government is prioritising public-private partnerships (PPPs). The Ministry is actively signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with state governments and corporate bodies to build infrastructure and drive investment.

What was the theme of the NTIFE 2025 event? 

The theme was ‘National Tourism Investment and Global Partnership’, with a sub-theme of ‘Investing in Nigeria’s Tourism Future’.

Who organised the Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition? 

The event was organised by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN).