By Ekunkonye Junior, Abuja
The National Assembly (NASS) says it will ensure Nigerian tourism sector is strengthened through among others, effective legislation.
This promise was made by the Chairman of the House Committee on Delegated Legislation, Honourable Richard Olufemi Bamisile, during a familiarisation visit to the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), according to a press release from the media department of the NTDA over the week.
Bamisile described the engagement as timely and significant, noting that the Committee is mandated to oversee statutory instruments, regulations, guidelines and orders issued by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure they align with the intent of primary laws, promote good governance and do not impose undue burdens on citizens.
The Committee’s visit aimed to gain first-hand insight into NTDA’s operational framework, achievements and challenges, as well as examine existing regulations and guidelines governing the tourism sector.
Bamisile assured NTDA of the Committee’s readiness to support the review of obsolete regulations, advocate enhanced budgetary provisions and strengthen legislative frameworks to protect Nigeria’s heritage sites and intellectual property within the tourism ecosystem.
NTDA Director-General, Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, expressed appreciation for the visit, emphasizing that legislation remains the backbone of the Authority’s operations.
He highlighted key implementation challenges associated with the NTDA Act, including the need for clearer alignment and coordination across the tourism governance framework ¹.
Awakan noted that Nigeria is blessed with an inexhaustible wealth of cultural, traditional and natural tourism assets, aligning the Authority’s work with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of economic diversification and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
He cited partnerships with sister agencies, states and the private sector, recognizing tourism as a private sector-driven industry.
The visit concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to sustained dialogue and collaboration aimed at unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s tourism sector for economic prosperity and national pride.
A group photograph of the NTDA’s Management Team and the Team from House Committee on Delegated Legislation during a familiarisation visit to NTDA headquarters, Abuja
