Nigeria, Benin Deepen Collaboration to Boost West African Tourism — NATOP Leads Regional Push

In a decisive move to revitalise and unify the tourism sector across West Africa, the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) and the Republic of Benin have pledged to strengthen collaboration and create new pathways for regional travel, investment, and cultural exchange. This renewed partnership was unveiled during the NATOP 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Cotonou, Benin Republic, marking a milestone in West Africa’s growing tourism diplomacy.

Themed “Bridging Borders: Boosting Domestic and Regional Tourism through Policy, Sustainability, and Technology”, the NATOP AGM brought together key stakeholders from Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Togo, and other ECOWAS countries. The forum served as a high-level platform for cross-border dialogue on tourism growth, showcasing Benin’s historic and cultural assets while facilitating business-to-business engagements between tour operators, investors, and government agencies.

Regional Tourism Revival: The Cotonou Statement

In a joint declaration known as the “Cotonou Statement on West African Tourism Cooperation,” both countries resolved to ease travel restrictions within the ECOWAS region, harmonise tourism policies, and promote shared heritage sites. This includes plans to develop multi-country tour packages that span from Badagry in Nigeria to Ouidah and Abomey in Benin — leveraging the region’s rich slave route history.

The Cotonou Statement also advocates for the creation of a West African Tourism Development Fund to support infrastructure upgrades, rural community tourism, and capacity building for young tourism entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the event, NATOP President, Mrs. Ime Udo, said:

“We are here to build bridges — cultural, economic, and institutional. Tourism in West Africa must go beyond conferences and workshops. It must translate into tangible jobs, accessible destinations, and policy frameworks that prioritise ease of movement and regional integration.”

Nigeria and Benin: From Neighbours to Tourism Allies

The choice of Benin as host country for NATOP’s 2025 AGM was not coincidental. According to Mrs. Udo, the decision was strategic — aiming to reinforce the long-standing cultural and historical links between both nations.

“Benin is not just a neighbour; it is part of our shared narrative. From the Dahomey Kingdom to modern festivals in Porto-Novo, we see endless opportunities for storytelling, eco-tourism, and heritage preservation,” she stated.

The Beninese Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Jean-Michel Abimbola, who attended the conference, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cross-border tourism. He noted that both countries must now prioritise the operationalisation of joint visa schemes and better transportation systems along the Lagos-Cotonou corridor.

“If our people can trade freely, they should be able to travel and discover freely too,” Abimbola said. “We are ready to invest in cross-border heritage tourism with Nigeria.”

Key Resolutions and Announcements

Several critical resolutions emerged from the two-day gathering:

• Creation of a Bilateral Tourism Working Group: A task force composed of NATOP executives and officials from the Benin Tourism Directorate to track implementation of joint programmes.

• Tourism Infrastructure Projects: Focus on revamping road networks leading to cross-border attractions such as the Route des Esclaves, Ganvié (the Venice of Africa), and the Seme-Krake border region.

• Digital Tourism Strategy: A proposal to develop a unified digital tourism platform for West Africa, allowing tourists to book regional packages, access multilingual guides, and explore virtual heritage archives.

• Support for SMEs and Tour Operators: Plans to offer grants and technical assistance to indigenous tour operators through a new NATOP Regional Empowerment Initiative.

Cultural Showcase and Field Visits

Beyond discussions, delegates were treated to a rich cultural immersion that included tours of the Ouidah Slave Museum, the Sacred Forest of Kpasse, and the iconic Temple of Pythons. The evenings were lit up with traditional dance performances, culinary showcases, and networking cocktails featuring dignitaries from the Nigerian and Beninese business communities.

Dr. Olanma Ojukwu, a renowned tourism consultant and Managing Director of GOTA Travel & Tours, praised the strategic direction of NATOP:

“This is how tourism should be done. You don’t just talk about regional cooperation — you practise it. NATOP’s decision to step into Benin has redefined regional tourism politics.”

Looking Ahead: The Road to 2026

As NATOP prepares for its 2026 conference, expected to be hosted in The Gambia, there is growing optimism that the association’s efforts will spark wider tourism alliances across Francophone and Anglophone West Africa. The momentum from Cotonou is expected to inspire further bilateral engagements between Nigeria and its neighbours, particularly in areas like eco-tourism, heritage mapping, and tourism education.

In closing remarks, Mrs. Udo called for ECOWAS to play a more active role in tourism integration.

“Tourism is not a luxury. It is an economic strategy, a peace-building tool, and a source of national pride. ECOWAS must treat it with the urgency it deserves.”

The NATOP 2025 AGM ended with renewed energy, new alliances, and a clear message — West African tourism can thrive through unity, vision, and bold cross-border collaboration.