The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) have strengthened plans to collaborate on initiatives aimed at boosting diaspora tourism, investment and cultural reconnection.
The move was highlighted when the Director-General of NTDA, Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting focused on leveraging diaspora engagement to expand Nigeria’s tourism potential, promote cultural heritage and attract global attention to the country’s tourism offerings.
Speaking during the visit, Awakan described the partnership as a key step towards unlocking the opportunities in diaspora tourism, particularly through the expansion of the Door of Return initiative.
He stressed the need to identify and develop viable tourism products that could appeal to global audiences, noting that Nigeria’s cultural diversity provides a strong foundation for tourism growth.
The NTDA boss also highlighted some of the Authority’s initiatives, including the development of a national storytelling and streaming platform, NITOUREY, designed to showcase Nigeria’s cultural narratives to the world.
According to him, Nigeria is “a microcosm of stories,” adding that effective storytelling remains crucial to repositioning the country’s tourism image globally.
Awakan further disclosed ongoing reforms by the Authority, including the rebranding of Nigeria’s tour guiding system, the introduction of the Naija Flavour initiative to promote the country’s food, fashion, music and arts, as well as plans to host the Naija Flavour International Tourism Expo (NAFITO) in partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
He added that NTDA was also working on cultural exchange programmes and initiatives to strengthen Nigeria’s position within Africa’s tourism sector, leveraging his role as Chairman of the African Travel Commission.
In her response, Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to partnering with NTDA to expand the Door of Return initiative as a platform for reconnecting Nigerians in the diaspora with their heritage.
She stressed the importance of promoting Nigeria’s positive image internationally and encouraged greater collaboration between both agencies in telling the Nigerian story to a global audience.
Speaking during the visit, Awakan described the partnership as a key step towards unlocking the opportunities in diaspora tourism, particularly through the expansion of the Door of Return initiative.
He stressed the need to identify and develop viable tourism products that could appeal to global audiences, noting that Nigeria’s cultural diversity provides a strong foundation for tourism growth.
The NTDA boss also highlighted some of the Authority’s initiatives, including the development of a national storytelling and streaming platform, NITOUREY, designed to showcase Nigeria’s cultural narratives to the world.
According to him, Nigeria is “a microcosm of stories,” adding that effective storytelling remains crucial to repositioning the country’s tourism image globally.
Awakan further disclosed ongoing reforms by the Authority, including the rebranding of Nigeria’s tour guiding system, the introduction of the Naija Flavour initiative to promote the country’s food, fashion, music and arts, as well as plans to host the Naija Flavour International Tourism Expo (NAFITO) in partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
He added that NTDA was also working on cultural exchange programmes and initiatives to strengthen Nigeria’s position within Africa’s tourism sector, leveraging his role as Chairman of the African Travel Commission.
In her response, Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to partnering with NTDA to expand the Door of Return initiative as a platform for reconnecting Nigerians in the diaspora with their heritage.
She stressed the importance of promoting Nigeria’s positive image internationally and encouraged greater collaboration between both agencies in telling the Nigerian story to a global audience.
The two organisations agreed to deepen cooperation through joint programmes, promotional campaigns and strategic initiatives aimed at positioning Nigeria as a preferred destination for diaspora tourism.
The partnership aligns with NTDA’s mandate to promote tourism development through innovation, collaboration and strategic marketing, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
