By Fatima Saka
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at rebranding Nigeria’s tourism assets, strengthening the country’s global image, and driving investment through diaspora engagement.
Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed this during a high-level meeting with the Director-General of NTDA, Dr Olayiwola Awakan, in Abuja.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the Commission’s commitment to collaborations that contribute to national development, noting that promoting Nigeria’s tourism potential is key to enhancing its international reputation and attracting investment.
She highlighted the need to reposition tourism assets across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, urging greater promotion of domestic tourism. She cited the Badagry Door of Return Festival as a major cultural attraction that reconnects Africans in the diaspora with their roots.
Describing the festival as deeply symbolic, she said it offers a “spiritual, emotional, psychological, economic and historical experience,” noting that many participants are moved to tears as they retrace historic slave routes.
The NiDCOM boss further called for stronger partnerships within the tourism sector, urging Nigerians to take ownership of their national narrative by telling positive stories about the country to the global community.
In his remarks, NTDA Director-General, Dr Olayiwola Awakan, said Nigeria is richly endowed with tourism assets and outlined plans to upgrade and rebrand them to meet international standards.
He listed key initiatives to include improving tour guide systems, enhancing the image of tourism sites, organizing tourism expos, encouraging private sector participation, and developing structured tour packages.
Awakan stressed that engaging the Nigerian diaspora and global tourism enthusiasts would help stimulate investment, create jobs, and reduce social tensions.
He also acknowledged that despite Nigeria’s vibrant cultural and tourism events, the nation’s global image is often affected by negative narratives. He underscored the need for a deliberate effort to project a more positive image, particularly through Nigerians in the diaspora, whom he described as “first-line ambassadors.”
As part of efforts to reposition the sector, Awakan announced plans to introduce “Naija Fest,” a national cultural festival designed to showcase the diversity of Nigeria’s culture, cuisine, music, arts, and traditions across all states and the FCT.
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He also revealed a proposed Diaspora Internship Initiative in the United Kingdom, which will allow Nigerians abroad to undertake a nine-month internship in Nigeria, providing them with professional and cultural exposure.
However, both agencies reaffirming their commitment to leveraging tourism and diaspora engagement as strategic tools for national development, economic growth, and improved global perception of Nigeria.
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