Joseph Chibu
The Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) has announced plans for its 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the inauguration of its first-ever national secretariat, describing the twin events as significant milestones in the association’s decade-long efforts to promote tourism development in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference held on Thursday in Ikeja, Lagos, NATOP President, Hajia Bolaji Mustapha, said the anniversary AGM would bring together tourism practitioners, government officials, investors, hospitality operators, development partners, and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing Nigeria’s tourism industry.
Mustapha explained that although the association traditionally rotates its AGM among states with strong tourism potential, the 2026 edition was brought back to Lagos in recognition of the state’s support for tourism development and its strategic role as Nigeria’s tourism and commercial hub.
She disclosed that the event, scheduled for July 8 to 10, 2026, will commence with the commissioning of NATOP’s first secretariat on July 8, followed by a cocktail reception. The main conference and AGM will hold on July 9, while participants will undertake a Lagos city tour, business retreat, and golf tournament as part of the anniversary activities.
According to her, the AGM will be held under the theme: “Unlocking Nigeria’s Tourism Potential: Strengthening Tour Pillars for Sustainable Destination Development.”
“The AGM provides us with an opportunity to review our achievements, strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, promote Nigeria’s tourism assets, advocate supportive policies, and chart a strategic direction for the future of tourism development in the country,” she said.
Mustapha noted that NATOP has used previous AGMs to expose members to tourism destinations across the country, having hosted the event in states such as Kwara, Ekiti, Plateau, Imo, and others.
She further highlighted the association’s recent collaborations with the Lagos State Government in promoting tourism initiatives, including support for local food vendors, tourism exhibitions, and Nigeria’s participation at international tourism events such as the World Travel Market in London and the African Marketplace in Dubai.
Representing the Lagos State Government, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting tourism and cultural development.
She described Lagos as Nigeria’s tourism capital and noted that tourism and entertainment remain key pillars of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s development agenda.
According to her, Lagos continues to attract visitors through its rich cultural heritage, entertainment industry, hospitality offerings, cuisine, festivals, and creative economy.
“We are sitting on gold in the tourism sector. We must continue to promote our culture, heritage, food, environment, and everything that represents us as Nigerians. Tourism has enormous potential for economic growth and national development,” she said.
Oyekan-Ismaila also urged stakeholders to support government efforts by maintaining a clean environment and preserving cultural assets that contribute to the state’s attractiveness as a tourism destination.
Chairman of the 2026 AGM Planning Committee, Mrs. Joy Alexander-Oziegbe, described the anniversary gathering as a landmark event that would showcase positive developments within Nigeria’s tourism sector.
She stressed the need to change negative narratives about the country by highlighting tourism opportunities capable of generating revenue, creating jobs, and attracting investment.
“There are many positive things happening in Nigeria. Through this AGM, we want to demonstrate that domestic and inbound tourism are sustainable and can become major revenue earners for the nation,” she stated.
Also speaking, NATOP Secretariat Project Manager, Mr. Uche Chinonso, disclosed that the association’s new secretariat is a three-bedroom facility designed to serve as a permanent operational base for members.
He explained that the facility would provide office space, meeting venues, and workstations for both members and non-members, while also generating revenue for the association.
“For over ten years, NATOP has operated without a permanent office, holding meetings in rented venues. The secretariat gives the association a physical identity, improves operational efficiency, and provides a platform for greater collaboration among tourism practitioners,” Chinonso said.
The association noted that the 10th Anniversary AGM is expected to strengthen NATOP’s position as a leading voice in Nigeria’s tourism industry while fostering partnerships that will drive innovation, investment, job creation, and sustainable tourism development across the country.