Nigeria pushes tourism growth with festival calendar and university partnership

United Nigeria Airlines chief commercial officer Adedayo Olawuyi urged the creation of a national festival calendar, arguing that Nigeria’s cultural festivals could be packaged as year‑round tourism products to raise the sector’s contribution to GDP from the current 2‑4.5 % toward levels seen in Kenya and Egypt. He highlighted festivals such as the Calabar Carnival, Osun‑Osogbo, and New Yam Festival, calling for coordinated publicity, affordable travel packages and improved infrastructure.

Separately, the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) met with the University of Abuja to forge a partnership aimed at strengthening tourism education, research and practical training. The agreement will support the upcoming Nigerian Tourism Investment Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) scheduled for 30‑31 July, which will draw ministers, governors and industry leaders. Both initiatives stress collaboration between government, private sector and academia to develop Nigeria’s tourism sector.