Mr Abiodun Odusanwo, National President, Institute of Tourism Professionals in Nigeria (ITPN), has called for stronger synergy between tourism and transportation to drive inclusive growth and sustainable economic development.
Odusanwo made this call at the ninth edition of the National Tourism Transportation Summit(NTTS) and Expo on Monday in Abuja.
The NTTS and Expo, titled “Tourism and Transportation: Building Connectivity and Mobility for Sustainable Development”, aimed at bringing together industries’ key players for healthy dialogue to strengthen the links between both sectors.
According to Odusanwo, the ninth edition of NTTS and expos is built on the key documents produced as communiqués from the previous eight editions.
“These communiqués have served as implementation roadmaps that provide industry players with clear direction to effectively carryout their respective roles for optimal economic benefits and national development.
“This has become even more imperative that the communiqués from the past summit have largely remained unimplemented, a situation that undermined the very purpose for which the summit and expo were conceived and approved.
“The ninth edition, therefore, seeks to reverse this trend by placing deliberate focus on the communiqué and ensuring purposeful action on their recommendation.
“It is on this basis that the 2026 edition adapt the theme “Tourism and Transportation: Building Connectivity and Mobility for Sustainable Development” and this year summit marks a significant departure from previous edition,” he said.
The ITPN president said that the event was designed to explore the interdependence among MDAs and private sector organisations, which functions and activities have direct or indirectly linked to the operation of travel, tourism and transportation industries.
Also speaking, Mr AbdulKarim Ibrahim, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy (FMACTCE), commended ITPN for its consistency and commitment to advancement of the frontiers of tourism development in our country.
Ibrahim said the theme for this year’s event was both timely and strategic; adding that tourism and transportation were inseparable pillars of national growth, efficient, accessible and safe transportation systems.
He noted that transportation systems were fundamental to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s tourism assets for enhancement of visitors’ experience, as well as strengthening economic linkage across regions.
“The Federal Ministry remains committed in collaborating with key players, includes; transportation sector, private investors and professional bodies such as ITPN in developing policies and initiative that enhanced mobility and safety”.
Dr Aliyu Badaki, President, Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), said the summit was both timely, noting that tourism and transportation were inseparable partners in economic development.
According to him, a thriving tourism industry depends on efficient, safe, accessible and sustainable transport systems that connect people to destinations, promote regional integration, facilitate investment and create employment opportunities.
Badaki added that the FTAN strongly believed that meaningful collaboration among government, organised private sector, transport operators, investors and development partners were surest path towards building a globally competitive tourism destination.
Dr Olayiwole Awakan, the Director-General of Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), said the chosen theme was timely for tourism cannot thrive without efficient, safe and accessible transportation system.
Awakan added that transportation unlocks the full social and economic value of tourism by connecting people, places and markets.
According to him, they are vital enablers of inclusive growth, job creation and national development when synergised.
He commended the organiser for their foresight in creating a platform that fosters dialogue, innovation and collaboration among key players in both sectors.
” The summit provides an invaluable opportunity to address existing challenges, explore emerging trends and develop actionable strategies that will strengthen connectivity, improve mobility and drive sustainable growth across the tourism chain”
