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The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting underscored the importance of strategic collaboration between NTDA and NiDCOM in leveraging diaspora engagement to drive tourism development, investment, and cultural reconnection.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Awakan described the partnership as critical to unlocking the full potential of diaspora tourism, particularly through the expansion of the Door of Return initiative. He emphasized the need to identify and develop bankable tourism products that can be positioned for global audiences.
The Director-General also highlighted key milestones by NTDA, including the development of a national storytelling and streaming platform, NITOUREY, aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural narratives to the world. He noted that Nigeria is “a microcosm of stories,” stressing that storytelling remains central to repositioning the country’s tourism brand.
Dr. Awakan further outlined ongoing reforms within the Authority, including the rebranding of Nigeria’s tour guiding system, the launch of the Naija Flavour initiative promoting the country’s food, fashion, music, and arts, and plans to host the Naija Flavour International Tourism Expo (NAFITO) in partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
He also highlighted NTDA’s efforts to develop cultural exchange programmes and position Nigeria more prominently on the continental tourism landscape, leveraging his role as Chairman of the African Travel Commission.
In her remarks, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to working closely with NTDA to scale the Door of Return initiative as a legacy project that reconnects Nigerians in the diaspora with their heritage. She emphasized the importance of promoting Nigeria’s positive narrative and encouraged stronger collaboration in telling the country’s story both locally and globally.
Both parties agreed to deepen collaboration through joint programmes, promotional campaigns, and strategic initiatives that position Nigeria as a leading destination for diaspora tourism.
The engagement aligns with NTDA’s mandate to drive tourism development through partnerships, innovation, and strategic marketing, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR.
