The partnership reflects the state government’s broader strategy of accelerating tourism growth through private-sector collaboration, destination marketing and stronger community involvement in preserving and promoting Lagos’ cultural and natural assets.
Speaking during a press conference organised by NATOP in Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, said the ministry would actively participate in the five-day event as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s tourism ecosystem.
She noted that the relationship between the Lagos State Government and NATOP has played an important role in promoting Lagos and Nigeria as attractive destinations for both domestic and international visitors.
According to Oyekan-Ismaila, sustainable tourism development requires cooperation among residents, industry professionals, government institutions and cultural stakeholders. She stressed that protecting the environment and preserving cultural heritage are essential to building a tourism sector capable of attracting visitors and investment.
“We are actually all tourists and we must protect our environment, protect our culture and protect our heritage, what we hold dear,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary urged Lagos residents and tourism stakeholders to place greater value on the state’s cultural identity, traditional practices, cuisine, arts and natural attractions.
She explained that communities that appreciate and promote their heritage are more likely to gain recognition and attract tourism opportunities.
“If we don’t pay attention to them and promote them and let people know that we appreciate what we have, that is when people will also take us seriously,” she added.
Oyekan-Ismaila described Lagos as Nigeria’s tourism capital, noting that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has continued to prioritise tourism and entertainment as important drivers of economic growth.
She said Lagos remains a leading destination for cultural tourism, entertainment, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), beach tourism, leisure, wellness and adventure experiences.
The Permanent Secretary also praised NATOP for its contribution to destination promotion and its efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s visibility within the global tourism market.
Explaining the decision to host the landmark AGM in Lagos, NATOP President, Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, said the choice was influenced by the state government’s sustained commitment to tourism development and support for industry initiatives.
She revealed that the event was originally planned for Enugu State but was moved back to Lagos in recognition of the state’s continued investment in tourism policies, capacity building and destination promotion.
Mustapha highlighted several areas where Lagos has supported tourism growth, including World Tourism Day celebrations, community tourism initiatives at Takwa Bay, training programmes for tourism operators and participation in international tourism exhibitions.
She said the 10th AGM, themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Tourism Potential: Strengthening Tour Operators for Sustainable Destination Development,” would provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss strategies for expanding domestic tourism, improving industry partnerships and positioning tourism as a key contributor to economic diversification, investment and employment generation.
The five-day programme will feature the inauguration of NATOP’s national secretariat, industry conference sessions, a Lagos city and waterways tour, a business retreat, a golf tournament and a gala dinner.
The hosting of the AGM further highlights Lagos’ ambition to remain at the forefront of Nigeria’s tourism development by using strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders to create a more sustainable and competitive tourism sector.