Prominent voices in Nigeria’s legal and tourism sectors converged in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, to chart a strategic path for the country’s tourism future at the 2025 Retreat of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL).
The three-day event—convened by the NBA-SBL’s Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Committee (TT&H) and chaired by Mrs Chinenye Oragwu was themed: “Repositioning Nigeria’s Tourism and Hospitality Industries: From Seasonal Hype to Sustainable Prosperity.”
It brought together public and private sector stakeholders united in their vision of transforming Nigeria into a sustainable, all-season tourism destination.
Setting the tone for the gathering was a scenic train ride from Lagos to Ibadan, followed by a cultural welcome and courtesy visit to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Akinloye Olalere Owolabi Olakulehin, represented by senior chiefs and dignitaries.
Participants toured the historic Olubadan Palace, immersing themselves in the traditions of royal succession and Yoruba heritage.
The Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by Deputy Governor Adebayo Lawal, a lawyer, hosted a state dinner in honour of the guests.
In his remarks, Lawal praised the NBA-SBL for choosing Ibadan and emphasised the state’s tourism potential.
The event attracted key dignitaries including the Chief Judge of Oyo State and Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun.
The retreat’s focal point was Saturday’s Roundtable session chaired by Mr Richard Ayodele Akintunde (SAN).
Delivering the keynote, Dr Olatunbosun decried Nigeria’s overdependence on event-driven tourism and advocated a shift toward sustainable models anchored in long-term planning, investment, and cultural preservation.
He cited Oyo State’s infrastructure upgrades and security improvements as examples of actionable steps toward this goal.
The panel discussion featured a cross-section of industry leaders: Nnenna Fakoya-Smith, founder of Nene-Uwa Hub Ltd; Olatunde Busari, (SAN), Chairman of VFD Group Plc; Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture; and Ajibola Shina Ogunkeyede, founder of Ufitfly.
The session was moderated by former TT&H Chairperson, Mrs. Enitan Rewane.
Discussions explored legal reforms, digital tourism marketing, cultural storytelling, and infrastructure development as levers for growth.
Busari commended the 2022 Nigerian Tourism Development Act for offering a more modern and enabling legal framework.
Asika emphasised the need to commercialise cultural assets, while Ogunkeyede pointed to infrastructure deficits as barriers to consistent tourist engagement.
Beyond the policy dialogue, the retreat immersed participants in Ibadan’s rich cultural landscape.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Oragwu reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to driving reforms, encouraging investment, and strengthening the role of legal professionals in shaping Nigeria’s tourism future.
“Our goal is simple but ambitious. We want to help transform tourism in Nigeria into a year-round, inclusive economic powerhouse,” she stressed.
