Published on
January 22, 2026
Nigeria is taking steps to strengthen its tourism industry by reviving tourism information desks at key international airports across the country. This bold initiative aims to provide visitors with immediate access to crucial travel information, enriching their arrival experience and enhancing Nigeria’s global tourism profile.
The move comes after a meeting between the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku. The meeting, which took place at the FAAN headquarters in Lagos, set the foundation for the collaboration.
Why Nigeria Needs This Now
Dr. Awakan highlighted that airports are the first point of contact for international tourists, making them pivotal in shaping a visitor’s first impression. He emphasized that the absence of adequate tourism support at these critical entry points has previously hindered tourists from easily accessing vital information about Nigeria’s attractions, tours, and travel services.
He passionately described Nigeria as sitting on a “gold mine” of tourism opportunities, underscoring the nation’s rich cultural heritage, natural wonders, eco-tourism, and adventure tourism. He stressed that this move is a critical step in repositioning the country as a top-tier global destination.
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With tourism being a significant part of Nigeria’s economic growth, the NTDA aims to harness the power of tourism to bring visitors from all over the world. Dr. Awakan pointed out that well-structured tourism information desks would offer arriving visitors vital details about local attractions, tour services, and essential travel tips—giving them everything they need to explore the country’s unique offerings.
Tourism Information Desks: A Step Toward Transformation
The revived information desks will be strategically placed in Nigeria’s international airports, providing passengers with easy access to a range of helpful resources, including tour guides, maps, and highlights of local attractions.
Dr. Awakan also revealed that a committee has been established to oversee the design and operational plans for the information desks. The desks are expected to be up and running by the end of the second quarter of the year, making it a significant step toward enhancing Nigeria’s tourism appeal.
Which Airports Will Benefit
The tourism information desks will be implemented in major international airports across the country, such as:
Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos)
Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (Kano)
Port Harcourt International Airport (Port Harcourt)
Akanu Ibiam International Airport (Enugu)
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja)
These airports, being the most significant entry points for international visitors, will act as key hubs for boosting Nigeria’s tourism industry.
A Partnership Built for Success
Mrs. Kuku, in her remarks, welcomed the collaboration, highlighting the importance of linking aviation with tourism. She reiterated that FAAN is fully committed to working hand-in-hand with the NTDA to improve the experience of international travelers. She also emphasized FAAN’s dedication to upgrading airport facilities and enhancing the arrival experience for all tourists.
A joint committee has been established between FAAN and NTDA to manage the sharing of data and oversee the smooth execution of initiatives that align with the newly revived tourism information desks.
A Historical Boost to Nigeria’s Tourism Sector
The establishment of tourism information desks is not a new concept in Nigeria. In the past, similar initiatives were implemented during the tenure of a previous Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC). However, this new collaboration marks the first time in years that such an initiative is being revived with a clear focus on improving the nation’s tourism experience for global travelers.
The return of these information desks is expected to be a catalyst for growth in Nigeria’s tourism industry. Not only will they support the growing number of international visitors, but they will also help the country gain a stronger foothold in the global tourism market.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Tourism
This revival will have a wide-reaching impact on Nigeria’s tourism industry:
First Impressions Matter: The tourism information desks will help create a more welcoming atmosphere for international visitors upon arrival.
Cultural Showcase: The desks will serve as an introduction to Nigeria’s diverse cultural, historical, and natural attractions, encouraging visitors to explore beyond the airport.
Stronger Global Positioning: By providing accurate and easily accessible information, Nigeria will be positioned as a modern, tourist-friendly destination that caters to international travelers.
Nigeria’s proactive approach in reviving these tourism desks aligns with its long-term vision of enhancing the tourism sector’s contribution to the economy. This strategic move is expected to increase both domestic and international tourism, further solidifying Nigeria’s place as a global travel hub.
A New Era for Nigerian Tourism
With the collaboration between the NTDA and FAAN, the future of Nigeria’s tourism sector looks promising. By offering visitors a seamless entry into the country’s rich cultural and historical landscape, the revived tourism information desks will pave the way for an influx of travelers eager to experience all that Nigeria has to offer.
In a nation rich with opportunities for tourism, from cultural heritage sites to natural wonders, this move represents a significant leap toward turning Nigeria’s tourism potential into a global reality.
