…As minister inaugurates planning committee
The Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, in conjunction with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), are set to host the Tourism and Hospitality Summit 2025.
The summit, scheduled for November 24–25, 2025, in Abuja, is set to be a landmark event aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a globally competitive tourism and hospitality destination.
Ahead of the summit, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, has inaugurated the planning committee for the upcoming summit during a brief ceremony held at the Minister’s Conference Room, Federal Secretariat Phase II, Abuja.
In her address, the minister emphasised the strategic importance of the sector, noting that tourism is a vital driver of economic growth, job creation, cultural exchange, and foreign exchange earnings. “When effectively harnessed, the tourism and hospitality industry can significantly diversify our economy and contribute meaningfully to our national GDP,” she said.
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She highlighted that the committee is composed of seasoned stakeholders drawn from both public and private sectors, including policy experts, investors, operators, and development partners. This, she said, reflects the ministry’s commitment to inclusive, multi-sectoral collaboration in shaping the future of tourism in Nigeria.
The minister outlined the committee’s terms of reference, which include: strategic planning and coordination of summit activities; theme and content development aligned with national and global priorities; stakeholder engagement across government, private sector, academia, and civil society; and programme structuring, including keynote sessions, panels, and exhibitions.
Others are: Resource mobilisation through sponsorships and partnerships; publicity and media strategy for national and international visibility, and post-summit documentation and implementation roadmap.
“You have been carefully selected for your expertise, dedication, and passion for the growth of our sector,” the minister charged the committee.
“Approach this task with innovation and a sense of national duty. The Ministry, in partnership with NESG, will fully support your work.”
She further appreciated NESG for its steadfast partnership in national development and officially inaugurated the committee.
Read also: Nigeria: The world’s best-kept tourism secret – until now
In response, Badaki Aliyu, president, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), commended the ministry for the summit initiative and the inclusive composition of the committee, which spans federal, state, local government, and private sector representation. He pledged the full support of the organised private sector to ensure a successful summit.
Also speaking, Dorathy Duruaku, director, International Tourism, Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, assured of the committee’s dedication to delivering a memorable and impactful event.
A representative of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) reiterated the organisation’s commitment to the summit’s success, pledging continued collaboration with the ministry and other stakeholders.
The ceremony concluded with a celebratory cake-cutting, marking not only the inauguration but also celebrating the recent successful FTAN Annual General Meeting and election, which ushered in Badaki Aliyu as president. The permanent secretary congratulated the newly elected president and assured him of the ministry’s commitment to working closely with the private sector to build a vibrant and resilient tourism industry.
