Leading figures from Nigeria’s legal and tourism industries gathered in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on June 16, for the 2025 Retreat of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL), aiming to shape a strategic vision for Nigeria’s tourism future.
The three-day retreat, organised by the NBA-SBL’s Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality Committee (TT&H) under Mrs. Chinenye Oragwu’s leadership, focused on the theme “Repositioning Nigeria’s Tourism and Hospitality Industries: From Seasonal Hype to Sustainable Prosperity.”
As reported by the Guardian, the retreat brought together key public and private stakeholders who shared a commitment to transforming Nigeria into a thriving, year-round tourism destination.
The event kicked off with a picturesque train journey from Lagos to Ibadan, setting the stage for an immersive experience. Upon arrival, participants were warmly welcomed with a cultural reception, followed by a courtesy visit to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Akinloye Olalere Owolabi Olakulehin, who was represented by senior chiefs and dignitaries.
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Participants explored the historic Olubadan Palace, gaining insight into the rich traditions of Yoruba heritage and royal succession.
In a show of hospitality, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by Deputy Governor and legal expert Adebayo Lawal, hosted a state dinner in honour of the distinguished guests. Lawal commended the NBA-SBL for selecting Ibadan as the retreat venue, highlighting the state’s vast tourism potential.
The event drew many prominent figures, including the Chief Judge of Oyo State and the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun. The retreat’s highlight was the highly anticipated Saturday Roundtable session, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Richard Ayodele Akintunde.
In his keynote address, Dr. Olatunbosun criticised Nigeria’s heavy reliance on event-driven tourism and advocated for a more sustainable approach rooted in long-term planning, strategic investment, and cultural preservation.
He highlighted Oyo State’s infrastructure advancements and security enhancements as tangible steps toward achieving this vision.
The panel discussion brought together a diverse group of industry leaders, including Nnenna Fakoya-Smith, founder of Nene-Uwa Hub Ltd; Olatunde Busari (SAN), Chairman of VFD Group Plc; Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture; and Ajibola Shina Ogunkeyede, founder of Ufitfly.
The session, expertly moderated by former TT&H Chairperson Mrs. Enitan Rewane, delved into key growth drivers, including legal reforms, digital tourism marketing, cultural storytelling, and infrastructure development.
Busari praised the 2022 Nigerian Tourism Development Act for introducing a more modern and supportive legal framework, while Asika underscored the importance of commercialising cultural assets to boost the sector. Ogunkeyede highlighted infrastructure gaps as major obstacles to sustained tourist engagement.
Beyond policy discussions, the retreat offered participants a deep immersion into Ibadan’s vibrant cultural heritage.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Oragwu reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to driving reforms, encouraging investment, and strengthening the role of legal professionals in shaping Nigeria’s tourism future.
“Our goal is simple but ambitious. We want to help transform tourism in Nigeria into a year-round, inclusive economic powerhouse,” she stressed.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the NBA-SBL Tourism Retreat
What was the main purpose of the NBA-SBL Retreat in Ibadan?
The main purpose of the retreat was to chart a strategic path for Nigeria’s tourism future, specifically focusing on “Repositioning Nigeria’s Tourism and Hospitality Industries: From Seasonal Hype to Sustainable Prosperity.” It aimed to bring together stakeholders to transform Nigeria into a sustainable, all-season tourism destination.
Who organised the retreat?
The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL)’s Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality Committee (TT&H) convened the retreat.
Where and when did the retreat take place?
The three-day retreat took place in Ibadan, Oyo State. The article states it was the “2025 Retreat,” so it would have occurred in 2025.
Who chaired the NBA-SBL’s Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Committee (TT&H) for this event?
Mrs. Chinenye Oragwu chaired the NBA-SBL’s Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Committee (TT&H) for this retreat.
What were some of the key activities during the retreat?
Key activities included a scenic train ride from Lagos to Ibadan, a cultural welcome and courtesy visit to the Olubadan of Ibadan, a tour of the historic Olubadan Palace, a state dinner hosted by the Oyo State Governor, and a pivotal Roundtable session.
Who delivered the keynote address at the Roundtable session?
Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism for Oyo State, delivered the keynote address.
What was the central message of the keynote address?
The keynote address emphasised the need for Nigeria to shift away from an overdependence on event-driven tourism towards sustainable models anchored in long-term planning, investment, and cultural preservation.
Which key areas were discussed by the panel of industry leaders?
The panel discussions explored critical areas such as legal reforms, digital tourism marketing, cultural storytelling, and infrastructure development as levers for growth in the tourism sector.
What was highlighted as a positive development in the legal framework for tourism?
Olatunde Busari (SAN) commended the 2022 Nigerian Tourism Development Act for offering a more modern and enabling legal framework for the industry.
What challenges to consistent tourist engagement were mentioned?
Ajibola Shina Ogunkeyede pointed to infrastructure deficits as a significant barrier to consistent tourist engagement.
What is the ultimate goal of the NBA-SBL’s TT&H Committee regarding tourism in Nigeria?
As stated by Mrs. Oragwu, their goal is “ambitious but straightforward. We want to help transform tourism in Nigeria into a year-round, inclusive economic powerhouse
