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By Adebowale Johnson
In a boost for Nigeria’s untapped tourism goldmine, the House Committee on Delegated Legislation, led by its chairman, Hon. Richard Olufemi Bamisile, pledged robust legislative muscle during a key familiarisation visit to the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA). Far from a routine check, this was a handshake for partnership, aimed at supercharging a sector brimming with economic promise.
“Tourism isn’t just vacations, it’s our economic engine, sparking jobs, unity, and global storytelling,” declared Hon. Bamisile, emphasizing the committee’s role in scrutinizing regulations from agencies like NTDA to ensure they fuel growth without red tape. The visit zeroed in on NTDA’s operations, from funding woes and infrastructure gaps to security hurdles blocking Nigeria’s path to world-class appeal. Bamisile promised to champion updated laws, bigger budgets, and safeguards for heritage sites.
Bamisile described the engagement as timely, emphasizing the committee’s role in ensuring regulations from ministries, departments, and agencies align with primary laws, promote governance, and avoid undue burdens on citizens. “This is not fault-finding but foundation-building for partnership,” he said.
He underscored tourism’s broader value: “It is a powerful catalyst for economic growth, job creation, social cohesion, and international diplomacy. It tells our story, shapes our image, and unlocks opportunities nationwide.”
Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, NTDA director-general since October 2025, welcomed the visit, stating: “Legislation is the backbone of our operations. The success of NTDA cannot be written without it.”
Awakan highlighted Nigeria’s vast cultural, traditional, and natural assets, aligning the authority’s work with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s push for economic diversification and public-private partnerships. Key collaborations include digitizing airport tourism desks with NITDA, promoting destinations through foreign missions, and boosting airport visibility with FAAN and NCAA. Partnerships with states like Katsina, Nasarawa, and Niger continue to expand reach.
Challenges persist, however. A Supreme Court ruling placed tourism assets under state jurisdiction, complicating coordination. Awakan advocated moving tourism to the concurrent legislative list for clearer policy, better collaboration, and equitable resource distribution.
Funding constraints remain significant, though Awakan pointed to countries reaping benefits from strategic tourism investments. Recent initiatives include a public-private committee for international expos and the December 2025 launch of the Naija Flavour Project, promoting Nigerian food, arts, fashion, music, theatre, and culture globally.
While the 2022 NTDA Act is still being refined, Awakan expressed optimism: “With your support, tourism will soon deliver tangible results for the economy and national development.”
The visit ended with both sides committing to ongoing dialogue and collaboration to unlock Nigeria’s tourism potential, driving economic prosperity and national pride in a sector long poised for greater impact.
