The NBA-SBL Travel Tourism and Hospitality Committee held its Roundtable on 9th May, 2025 at Ibadan, Oyo State at De Signature Towers Suites. The event commenced with a warm welcome by the Chairman of the event, Mr Richard Ayodele Akintunde, SAN. The Chairperson of the Section on Business Law, Mrs Ozofu Olatunde Ogiemudia, ably represented by Mrs Tomilayo Oduyebo, gave her welcome remarks. The Chairperson of the Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Committee, Mrs. Chineye Oragwu, speaking about the purpose of the Roundtable in her welcome address stated that the goal while simple was ambitious – to facilitate discussions centered around moving Nigeria beyond seasonal surges in travel interest and to developing a robust framework for year-round, inclusive and sustainable growth by aligning legal frameworks, policy alignment, private sector innovation and community-based initiatives.
The Chairperson of the 2025 Tourism Retreat & Roundtable Planning Committee, Mrs Pamilerin Akabunwa in her welcome address, warmly welcomed participants to Ibadan for the second edition of the NBA-SBL Tourism Retreat. She emphasized the importance of transitioning Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sectors from seasonal peaks to sustainable, year-round economic contributors. She highlighted the retreat’s objectives, including policy development for sustainable tourism, attracting strategic infrastructure investments, and promoting innovation across the value chain. She expressed gratitude to stakeholders and sponsors for their support and encouraged participants to engage meaningfully, leveraging the retreat as a platform to shape a prosperous future for Nigeria’s tourism industry.
The Keynote Address was delivered by the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Oyo State, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun. In his address he stated that the tourism sector is trapped in a seasonal mindset, prioritizing short-term event-based hype over the development of sustainable, year-round tourism ecosystems that would deliver lasting economic value. The Commissioner highlighted the efforts of the Oyo State Government in improving the tourism sector—particularly through better road networks, increased security, and the renovation of tourist attractions, which has led the State to witnessing monumental increase in the numbers of tourists, tourism and tourism hospitality. He applauded the organizers of the event and commended the legal community for their role in supporting tourism in Nigeria.
An engaging Panel Session followed, featuring industry experts: Ms Nnenna Fakoya-Smith, Founder of Nene-Uwa Hub Ltd, Mr. Olatunde Busari, SAN, Chairman of VFD Group Plc.; Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Nigeria, and Ajibola Shina Ogunkeyede, Founder of Ufitfly. The panel was moderated by Mrs Enitan Rewane, the immediate past chairperson of the TT&H Committee.
Ms. Nnenna Fakoya-Smith underscored the critical role of social media and technology in promoting tourism and tourist attractions across the country. She emphasized that digital platforms should be effectively leveraged to enhance the visibility, engagement, and global reach of Nigeria’s unique destinations. Mr. Olatunde Busari, SAN, provided a legal perspective on the legislative framework governing tourism. He critiqued the shortcomings of the previous Tourism Act and commended the new Nigerian Tourism Development Act of 2022, for its progressive provisions and potential to modernize the sector.
Speaking on the cultural dimensions of tourism, Mr. Obi Asika highlighted the vital role of arts and crafts in enriching the tourism experience. He stressed the importance of narrating and commercializing the stories behind Nigeria’s historical and cultural sites. According to him, these narratives hold deep cultural significance and global appeal. He further called on the private sector to recognize the vast opportunities in the tourism space, particularly in creating and developing more attractions and presenting them to an international audience.
Mr. Ajibola Shina Ogunkeyede focused on the infrastructural challenges facing the tourism industry. He advocated for improved infrastructure to enable year-round tourism activities, noting that the absence of adequate facilities remains a significant constraint. He also drew attention to the need for stronger collaboration between State and Federal governments, citing it as a key factor that distinguishes Nigeria from other countries with thriving tourism sectors.
The Roundtable Session came to a close at 3:07 PM with a presentation of awards of appreciation to the panelists and other key contributors who helped make the event a success.
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