*Calls for Stronger Collaboration to Advance Nigeria’s Tourism Industry
Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, National President of the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), has extended his warm congratulations to Hajiya Bolaji Mustapha on her unopposed re-election as President of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP).
National President of the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), Chief Abiodun Odusanwo
In a statement made available to the press in Abuja over the weekend, Chief Odusanwo commended Hajiya Mustapha’s leadership during her first term, acknowledging NATOP’s significant strides under her guidance, including the acquisition of the association’s national headquarters in Lagos and a substantial increase in membership achievements that have bolstered investor confidence in Nigeria’s tourism sector.
“Hajiya Mustapha’s re-election is a testament to her visionary leadership and the trust the industry reposes in her ability to reposition Nigeria on the global tourism map. Her pledge to take NATOP’s mandate across the nation resonates with the collective aspiration to make tourism a mainstay of our economy,” said Chief Odusanwo.
The ITPN President emphasized that the current moment calls for unprecedented collaboration among all tourism bodies. He highlighted the critical need for a collaborative synergy between ITPN, which is the nation’s premier Awarding body as well as the professional association for travel tourism and hospitality practitioners in the country, and NATOP, which represents tour operators, to drive the sector’s growth .
“For Nigeria’s tourism sector to reach its full potential, we must break down silos and work in unison. The synergy between the Institute for Tourism Professionals and the tour operators represented by NATOP is essential for establishing standards, developing capacity, and creating seamless travel experiences,” Chief Odusanwo stated.
He pointed to the National Tourism Transportation Summit and Expo (NTTSummit 2026) being organized by ITPN from 28th – 29th July 2026 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, as a prime example of the power of collaboration that ITPN and NATOP can explore for its successful hosting which is aimed at deepening the connection between tourism and transportation.
Chief Odusanwo further called for sustained joint efforts to advocate for tourism-inclusive policy frameworks and to tackle operational bottlenecks in domestic connectivity and destination access.
“The tasks ahead require collective action. By combining the professional rigor of ITPN with the operational expertise of NATOP, we can implement effective standards, enhance service quality, and unlock new opportunities in the travel value chain,” he added.
The ITPN National President reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a united front of private sector stakeholders to support the federal government’s economic diversification agenda, ensuring that tourism becomes a significant contributor to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.
Hajia Bolaji Mustapha was re-elected on July 9, 2026 as the President of the NATOP at the association’s 10th Annual General Meeting held in Ikeja, where she was returned unopposed to her position and pledged to further expand the association’s reach and deepen domestic tourism development across Nigeria.
The Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN) is the premier professional membership organization and awarding body for the hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria, dedicated to professionalizing the sector and promoting excellence, while the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) is the leading association representing tour operators in Nigeria, championing initiatives to boost domestic tourism, preserve cultural heritage and attract international visitors.
