Ejiro Efenudu
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has officially inaugurated a new Executive Council to lead the organization from 2025 to 2027, in what is being described as a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s tourism development and advocacy. The new leadership team, which comprises industry veterans, regional representatives, and innovation-driven professionals, is expected to provide fresh momentum for the sector and advance the Federation’s newly developed Tourism Transformation Masterplan (TTM).
At the swearing-in ceremony held in Abuja, stakeholders expressed confidence in the new team’s capacity to foster inclusive growth, deepen public-private collaboration, and elevate Nigeria’s tourism visibility across the continent and globally.
New National Leadership for the Next Two Years
Heading the newly constituted Executive Council is a diverse lineup of accomplished tourism professionals drawn from various geopolitical zones of the country, reflecting FTAN’s commitment to regional inclusion and strategic representation.
Leading the team is Dr. Badaki Aliyu who emerged as the new National President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, next up is Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, who takes up the mantle as First Deputy President, alongside Mrs. Justina Ovat as Second Deputy President. Both women bring years of leadership experience and are widely regarded as transformational figures within Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality space.
Others on the national executive include:
Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha – Treasurer
Aworetan Olayemi – Membership Secretary I
Onofiok Ekong Jnr. – Financial Secretary
Mrs. Funmi Kazeem – Vice President, FCT
Faith Esohe Essien – Vice President, South South
Franklin Ihejirika – Public Relations Officer (South)
Angela Dokpesi – Public Relations Officer (North)
Gbenga Sunmonu – Vice President, South West
Ugwu Wilson Uche – Vice President, South East
Dr. Muhammadu Nasiru Yusuf – Vice President, North East
Alhaji Danfulani – Vice President, North West
Susan Iyoryisa – Vice President, North Central
Bolaji Kilani – Membership Secretary II
Geraldine Itoe – Membership Secretary III
Dr. Oludayo Gideon – Internal Auditor
This broad coalition is expected to advance FTAN’s advocacy and policy engagement with the Federal Government, tourism regulatory agencies, and international development partners.
Launch of the Tourism Transformation Masterplan (TTM)
One of the most anticipated agenda items under this new leadership is the formal launch of the Federation’s Tourism Transformation Masterplan (TTM) — a blueprint designed to strategically reposition Nigeria’s tourism sector for sustainable development, investment attraction, and job creation.
Insiders revealed that the TTM document outlines key reforms including digital innovation in tourism, skills enhancement across the value chain, region-specific destination branding, and strategic collaboration with state governments to revive underutilized cultural and natural heritage sites.
FTAN’s National Secretariat confirmed that the TTM launch would take place in the coming weeks, with several international tourism bodies, diplomatic partners, and development agencies expected to attend. The blueprint is said to have been developed after extensive consultation with state tourism boards, travel associations, and experts from within and outside Nigeria.
Stakeholder Expectations and Sectoral Outlook
Industry stakeholders have lauded FTAN for what they describe as a “generational shift” in its leadership approach. Many are optimistic that the new Council will bring professionalism, transparency, and innovation to the forefront of tourism advocacy.
Speaking after the inauguration, a representative from the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) expressed hope that FTAN’s renewed energy will “complement federal efforts in unlocking the economic potential of tourism, especially in the post-oil diversification drive.”
Ugwu Wilson Uche, the newly elected Vice President for the South East, noted that his zone will focus on destination development, support for local tourism entrepreneurs, and the preservation of cultural heritage. “We are working to reimagine tourism in the South East, especially through the Alaigbo Tourism Campaign, which will soon kick off with stakeholder tours,” he added.
With the new team in place and the rollout of the TTM imminent, FTAN appears poised to take decisive steps toward repositioning Nigeria as a leading tourism destination in Africa.
