The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), through the Nigeria Tourism Investors’ Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE), has over the years championed tourism investment, policy dialogue, destination promotion, and public-private collaboration consistently.
  
Thus, ahead of the oncoming 2026 edition of NTIFE billed to hold on July 30-31 at Monoliza Sports and Recreational Centre, Garki, Abuja under the theme ‘Tourism Transformation Through Collaboration, Policy Alignment and Investment’, the President of the Federation, Dr Aliyu Ajayi Badaki has revealed that the forum will reflect the FTAN’s push to advance tourism cooperation, investment, cross-border and private/public sectors partnerships.
  
Badaki disclosed that NTIFE 2026 will convene policymakers, State Governments, investors, development partners, financial institutions, international organisations, tourism associations, airlines, hospitality businesses, and destination managers to move beyond dialogue and toward practical commitments.
  
The FTAN boss noted that since its inception in 2013, NTIFE has evolved from an investment forum into Nigeria’s foremost private-sector platform for tourism investment, policy engagement, and business development. “NTIFE is no longer simply an annual event. It is becoming Nigeria’s premier implementation platform for tourism transformation. It has been repositioned as a broader regional investment platform through expanded stakeholder participation, integration with FTAN’s Annual General Meeting, and the inclusion of the COPITOUR Executive Meeting.”
  
Badaki further said NTIFE 2026 will advocate for stronger Public-Private Partnerships; increased tourism investment commitments; enhanced state tourism collaboration; improved policy coordination; destination promotion and investment showcases; regional tourism cooperation across ECOWAS; and a coordinated national framework for implementing the tourism transformation mandate.
  
The federation president who called for greater private sector participation in developing Nigeria’s tourism industry, said investment in the sector should not be limited to wealthy individuals or multinational corporations. “All operators and government officials should be part of Nigeria’s foremost tourism investment gathering as industry leaders, policymakers, investors, development partners, and tourism stakeholders converge to shape the future of the sector.

“NTIFE 2026 is providing an unprecedented platform for regional cooperation, investment promotion and cross-border tourism partnerships. Nigeria requires stronger investment platforms capable of attracting investors, development partners, state governments and tourism businesses.”
  
Headlining the Forum is the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, who is the Chief Hostess and lead paper presenter, will speak on; ‘Building a National Tourism Architecture for Nigeria’. While Senator Ibrahim Ida, an entrepreneur, hotelier, lawyer, and Chairman of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and the Waziri of Katsina, and proprietor of Bristol Palace Hotel Group, will deliver the keynote address.
  
The Convener of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ambassador Ikechi Uko, will also present a lead paper on ‘Harnessing Tourism for Economic Growth: State Policies, Infrastructure, and Destination Development’.
  
The forum will also feature a panel session that will be moderated by the Uko, with the Chairman of Cross River State Carnival Commission, Dr. Gabe Onah; Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare; Mrs. Nenadi, FCT Tourism Director; and Babatunde Hunpe, Executive Chairman, Badagry LGA.