NATOP unveils first national secretariat, marks 10th AGM with renewed push for tourism growth

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) has announced plans to hold its 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and inaugurate its first-ever national secretariat, marking a major milestone in the association’s efforts to strengthen tourism development and industry collaboration in Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference in Ikeja, Lagos, NATOP President, Hajia Bolaji Mustapha, described the twin events as a celebration of the association’s achievements over the past decade and an opportunity to chart a new course for sustainable tourism growth.

According to her, the three-day event scheduled for July 8 to 10, 2026, will bring together tour operators, government officials, hospitality practitioners, investors, development partners and other stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for unlocking the vast potential of Nigeria’s tourism sector.

Mustapha explained that while NATOP traditionally rotates its AGM among states with strong tourism offerings, the 2026 edition was deliberately brought back to Lagos in recognition of the state’s consistent support for tourism promotion and its status as Nigeria’s commercial and tourism hub.

Activities will commence on July 8 with the commissioning of NATOP’s first national secretariat and a cocktail reception. The main conference and AGM will hold on July 9 under the theme, **“Unlocking Nigeria’s Tourism Potential: Strengthening Tour Pillars for Sustainable Destination Development.”** Participants will also embark on a Lagos city tour, business retreat and golf tournament as part of the anniversary celebrations.

She noted that the AGM would provide an avenue to review the association’s progress, strengthen partnerships, advocate favourable policies and develop strategies capable of driving tourism-led economic growth.

“Our AGM offers stakeholders the opportunity to evaluate achievements, deepen collaboration and collectively shape the future of tourism development in Nigeria,” Mustapha said.

The NATOP president highlighted the association’s contributions to promoting domestic tourism through previous AGMs hosted in states including Kwara, Ekiti, Plateau and Imo, as well as collaborations with government agencies and participation in international tourism exhibitions.

Representing the Lagos State Government, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to tourism development, describing Lagos as the nation’s tourism capital.

She said tourism, culture and entertainment remain key pillars of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s development agenda, noting that Lagos continues to attract visitors through its rich cultural heritage, festivals, hospitality industry, cuisine and thriving creative economy.

“We are sitting on gold in the tourism sector. We must continue to showcase our culture, heritage, food and environment because tourism possesses enormous potential for economic growth and national development,” she said.

Oyekan-Ismaila also urged stakeholders to support government initiatives by preserving cultural assets and maintaining a clean environment to enhance the attractiveness of tourism destinations.

Chairman of the 2026 AGM Planning Committee, Mrs. Joy Alexander-Oziegbe, described the anniversary event as an important platform for promoting positive narratives about Nigeria and showcasing the economic opportunities within the tourism industry.

She stressed that domestic and inbound tourism have the capacity to generate significant revenue, attract investment and create employment opportunities if properly harnessed.

“There are numerous positive stories about Nigeria that deserve attention. Tourism remains one of the sectors capable of driving economic diversification and creating sustainable jobs,” she said.

Also speaking, NATOP Secretariat Project Manager, Mr. Uche Chinonso, disclosed that the newly completed secretariat is a three-bedroom facility designed to serve as the association’s permanent operational headquarters.

According to him, the facility will provide office accommodation, meeting spaces and workstations for members while also serving as a revenue-generating asset for the association.

“For more than a decade, NATOP operated without a permanent office, relying on rented venues for meetings and activities. This secretariat provides the association with a permanent identity, improves operational efficiency and creates a stronger platform for collaboration among tourism practitioners,” Chinonso said.

Stakeholders at the briefing expressed optimism that the 10th Anniversary AGM and the inauguration of the secretariat would further strengthen NATOP’s position as a leading voice in Nigeria’s tourism industry and accelerate efforts to attract investment, create jobs and promote sustainable destination development across the country.