The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, NTDA, Ola Awakan, has called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria’s tourism and film sectors to boost destination promotion and cultural storytelling.
Awakan made the call during a courtesy visit to the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, Shaibu Husseini, where both agencies explored opportunities for partnership in projecting Nigeria’s tourism potential.
Speaking during the meeting, Awakan explained that the NTDA is mandated to develop, promote, market and showcase Nigeria’s tourism assets to both domestic and international audiences.
He noted that storytelling plays a central role in tourism promotion, stressing that the film industry remains a powerful tool for shaping narratives and showcasing the country’s culture, heritage and tourist destinations.
According to him, the Authority is planning a major initiative aimed at telling authentic Nigerian stories and is seeking collaboration with the NFVCB to support the project.
He also briefed the Board on the NTDA’s ongoing stakeholder engagements and the proposed unveiling of a tourism marketplace platform designed to connect tourism operators and promote destinations across the country.
In his response, Husseini commended Awakan for his commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s tourism sector, noting that film plays a crucial role in encouraging positive storytelling and attracting visitors.
He further highlighted the potential of initiatives such as the Nigeria Indigenous Film Showcase as platforms that could be leveraged to promote Nigeria’s tourism assets to wider audiences.
Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration, particularly through public-private partnerships, to enhance storytelling, promote culture and position Nigeria as a compelling tourism destination.
