Theme: Advancing Tourism Development Through Strategic Collaboration in Nigeria’s Capital**

The inauguration of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) FCT Zonal Executives held on 25th November 2025 at Kapital Klub and Apartment, Abuja, marked another milestone in advancing tourism coordination and collaboration within the Federal Capital Territory.

The event was presided over by the National President of FTAN, Dr. Aliyu Badaki, who officially assumed office after previously serving as Vice President (FCT Zone) and First Deputy President of FTAN. The ceremony brought together notable officials from the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTE), FTAN national executives, private-sector operators, and tourism stakeholders across the FCT.

Opening and Welcome Remarks

The ceremony anchor, Mr. Precious Okonji, National General Secretary of FTAN, declared the event open with a national prayer.

In her welcome remarks, Barrister. Fumni Kazeem, Vice President, FTAN FCT Zone and the host, emphasized the importance of unity in the tourism sector. She said:

“I am looking forward to the day when there is proper collaboration because FTAN is a big umbrella for tourism. The chefs, hotels, tour operators, and travel agencies can work together. With Detty December approaching, imagine having a Nigerian food court powered by our chefs instead of events always clustering in places like Transcorp. I look up to the next two years being beneficial to the FCT Zone and FTAN.”

Goodwill Messages from the Federal Ministry

Representing the Honourable Minister, Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Special Adviser, Dr. Kabir, delivered a goodwill remark centered on collaboration as a catalyst for tourism growth.

He noted:

“What we need is collaboration with one another. That is what helps us explore soft power. At NAFEST 2025 in Enugu, Katsina displayed its cultural diversity by parading 1,000 horses for the Durbar festival. That collaboration between traditional communities and government amplified our presence. We can learn from that.”

Supporting Dr. Kabiri’s remarks, Mrs. Alice, Assistant Director of Domestic Tourism, highlighted the ministry’s ongoing engagements with the private sector.

Mr. Ayodele Adebanjo, Assistant Director, Tourism Support Services (TSS), provided additional insights into FMACTE’s tourism mandate:

**“Since the ministry’s establishment in 2003, the Tourism Support Services Department has played a major role in projecting tourism. We work with two major departments—International Tourism and Domestic Tourism. The recent gathering of all State Commissioners and Directors of Tourism, which we organized, was to foster collaboration between federal and state agencies.

We also specialize in data gathering and impactful tourism contributions. Through partnerships with WTTC, UNTourism, and development partners, we provide tourism scholarships. Recently, 30 students from Yakubu Gowon University were awarded scholarships through our office.”**

Keynote Address by Mrs. Ine Dogo

The keynote address was delivered by Mrs. Ine Dogo, whose birthday coincidentally fell on the same day. Her address explored tourism opportunities and challenges within the FCT.

She began by asserting that:

“The FCT’s tourism potential represents the potential of Nigerian tourism. Abuja is the capital where everyone from every tribe and state is represented. It is the first point of call.”

She outlined current initiatives, particularly on food safety and hospitality standardization:

**“We are taking steps to begin a food safety campaign in the FCT, where we will train all food vendors—street vendors, restaurants, hotels—because the first thing a visitor needs is food. Standardizing this sector is important.

In Seychelles, hotel grading follows standards linked to the facilities available. We must adopt better approaches to bring similar standards to our hospitality sector.”**

Responding to a question from Mr. Law Chukwuemeka, who asked about FCT tourism assets, she stated:

“There are many attractions in the FCT, but interestingly, hiking is one activity that could position Abuja as the hiking capital of West Africa.”

Stakeholder Contributions

Tourism veteran Dr. Ini Akpabio made a notable intervention emphasizing practical approaches to tourism development. He said:

“There should be practical tourism. For instance, every hotel room should have a tourism guide or catalogue of attractions—just like the Bible or Quran. Hotels should connect guests directly to tour guides. If Abuja hotels project tourism sites, many visitors will tour the city.”

Inauguration Ceremony and FTAN President’s Remarks

In his formal address before inaugurating the committee, Dr. Aliyu Badaki reiterated his Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM), stating:

**“We are here to ensure proper coordination of tourism activities wherever tourism engagement takes place. We have signed an MOU with the National Council for Arts and Culture. We have gone round to ensure standards.

There will be working committees with the FCT Tourism Department, and the new executives will work closely with the Director. This year’s Nigerian Tourism Investors Forum and Expo (NTIFE) 2025 is a call to action with federal and state ministries and agencies.

Some of the areas we intend to address include working relationships and the standardization of tourism businesses by agencies, individuals, and enterprises. This will create better visibility and credibility.”**

Afterward, Dr. Badaki administered the Oath of Office to the newly appointed FCT Zonal Working Committee Members.

List of Inaugurated Officials (2025–2027)

• Mrs. Fumni Kazeem – Vice President, FCT Zone

• Dr. Samson Aturu – Vice Chairman, FCT Zone co

• Mr. Garba Christopher – Secretary

• Mr. Lawrence Chukwuemeka – Financial Secretary

• Dr. Peace Iyare – Public Relations Officer

• Dr. Chatty Akpangbo – Membership Secretary

• Amb. Annide Udofia – Member I

• Mrs. Temitope Adeleke – Protocol Officer I

• Chef Godfrey Odoh – Welfare Officer I

Closing Thoughts

The inauguration concluded with optimism as FTAN’s leadership, ministry officials, and sector stakeholders aligned on a shared vision to transform the FCT into:

• The Hiking Capital of West Africa

• A leading MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) destination

• A tourism hub reflecting Nigeria’s rich diversity

The newly inaugurated committee now bears the mandate to drive meaningful progress over the next two years, strengthening tourism systems, partnerships, and visibility across the Federal Capital Territory.