By Fredrick Ameh
The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) is aggressively expanding its strategic footprint, merging international diplomacy with the art of storytelling to redefine Nigeria’s global image. Director General Olayiwola Awakan recently spearheaded two pivotal engagements designed to drive investment and visibility for the nation’s tourism assets.
In a high-level meeting with the Spanish Ambassador, H.E. Félix Costales Artieda, the DG explored transforming tourism into a primary catalyst for trade and cultural exchange. The discussion centered on structured travel exchanges to ensure year-round traffic, market access, and a roadmap to FITUR 2027. The planning aims to position Nigeria as a premier investment destination ahead of the prestigious Madrid trade fair.
Simultaneously, the DG welcomed Malame Mangzha, DG of the Africa International Documentary Festival Foundation (AIDFF). This visit signaled a shift toward narrative-driven promotion. The Foundation presented its vision for using high-impact documentary filmmaking to capture Nigeria’s diverse heritage.
The DG noted that this collaboration aligns with the Authority’s NITOUREY initiative. By leveraging the power of storytelling, the NTDA aims to create a more vivid and accessible visual map of Nigeria’s tourism assets. “Documentary storytelling is a vital tool for visibility,” the DG remarked, reaffirming the commitment to partnerships that drive sustainable development.
Under the guidance of the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, these dual-track engagements highlight a clear strategy: strengthening international ties for economic stability while using creative media to foster a compelling national narrative.