By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have commenced plans to restore dedicated tourism information desks at major airports across the country, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s tourism value chain and improve passenger experience.
The development was announced on Thursday, 15 January, 2026 in Lagos by the Director-General of NTDA, Olayiwola Awakan, during a visit to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FAAN, Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, at the FAAN headquarters.
According to a statement shared with thegazellenews.com on Saturday, 17 January, 2026, the engagement focused on deepening collaboration between both agencies.
During the meeting, Awakan appealed for the reintroduction of tourism desks at airports, explaining that such facilities would enable arriving passengers to gain immediate access to guides, maps, information on tourist attractions and local transportation options.
He was quoted as saying that the initiative represents a strategic step toward unlocking Nigeria’s vast tourism potential.
He further stated that airports remain the most critical point of contact for international visitors, noting that first impressions often shape tourists’ perception of a destination.
Awakan emphasized that tourism is fundamentally about movement and added that FAAN plays a crucial role in facilitating that movement, since airports serve as the entry point for most visitors into the country.
The NTDA Director-General described Nigeria as “sitting on a gold mine” of tourism opportunities spread across all regions.
He reportedly highlighted the country’s rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, eco-tourism assets and adventure destinations, stressing that the combination of compelling storytelling, credible data and seamless travel experiences is essential to reposition Nigeria as a world-class tourism destination.
In response, Onabanjo-Kuku welcomed the renewed partnership, reportedly describing aviation and tourism as naturally interconnected sectors. She also acknowledged Awakan’s consistent support and friendship over the years.
Furthermore, the FAAN Managing Director affirmed the authority’s readiness to collaborate closely with NTDA to enhance passenger experience, upgrade airport infrastructure and stimulate growth in both domestic and international tourism arrivals.
At the end of the meeting, both leaders agreed to establish a joint committee, which, they said, would coordinate data sharing and oversee ongoing collaborative initiatives between NTDA and FAAN, as both agencies move to strengthen Nigeria’s tourism and aviation synergy.
