Manny Ita
The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have finalized a strategic partnership to restore dedicated tourism information desks at all major international airports, marking a significant push to improve the first point of contact for foreign visitors. This move follows projections that Nigeria’s tourism receipts are set to hit $12 billion in 2026, up from $8.6 billion in 2021, with arrivals expected to peak at 6.7 million by the end of the year.
The Director-General of NTDA, Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, described the country as “sitting on a gold mine” of opportunities ranging from eco-tourism to cultural heritage, emphasizing that airports are the “vital gateways” to the Nigerian experience. The new desks will provide arriving passengers with immediate access to digital maps, attraction highlights, and vetted local travel options to streamline the visitor experience.
On the policy front, the Eko Tourism Foundation (ETF) in Lagos has also unveiled its 2026 strategic direction, focusing on repositioning “Destination Lagos” as a year-round global hub. The foundation is launching the Eko Tourism Foundation Trust Fund and the ETF Academy, aimed at attracting foreign investment and building professional capacity within the hospitality sector.
This domestic push is complemented by a notable rise in Nigeria’s global mobility standing. The 2026 Henley Passport Index recently ranked Nigeria 89th globally, an improvement from 103rd, with citizens now enjoying visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 45 countries. However, tourism experts like Wale Ojo-Lanre have urged the federal government to further “restore the standalone status” of the Ministry of Tourism to ensure focused policy execution and avoid the dilution of accountability within the broader creative economy framework.
Beyond cultural leisure, the sector is eyeing a boost from “sports tourism” next month as Lagos prepares to host the Davis Cup World Group II tie against Uzbekistan. Organizers expect the international tennis fixture to stimulate significant economic activity and further demonstrate the country’s “organizational capacity and infrastructure readiness” for major global events.
