The Federal Government has entered a groundbreaking partnership with Emirates Airline to enhance inbound tourism to Nigeria. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 2025 Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, aims to promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities to an international audience.
The MoU, signed on April 30, 2025, marks a significant step towards realizing Nigeria’s tourism potential, aligned with the President’s Destination 2030 Soft Power Initiative. This initiative is a central part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to position Nigeria as a global hub for culture, heritage, creativity, and leisure travel.
Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, expressed her optimism about the partnership’s impact on the nation’s tourism sector. “This partnership with Emirates is a pivotal step towards achieving our tourism development objectives. It provides a powerful platform to showcase Nigeria to the world – a nation rich in culture, natural wonders, and warm hospitality,” she said.
Emirates, which resumed operations in Lagos in October 2024, is committed to supporting Nigeria’s tourism growth. Adnan Kazim, the airline’s Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the airline’s role in promoting the country’s attractions. “This partnership solidifies our commitment to showcasing Nigeria’s fascinating history, its vibrant cities, and the stunning beauty of its natural landscapes to travelers globally,” Kazim stated.
The MoU outlines initiatives to attract tourists from key markets, including familiarization trips, incentives for tour operators, and joint marketing campaigns. The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) will lead these efforts to revitalize Nigeria’s tourism sector and diversify the economy.
The signing ceremony also included key figures such as Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, and Abiola Abdulkareem, Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister. Notable attendees included the Consul General of Nigeria in Dubai, His Excellency Zayyanu Ibrahim, and other stakeholders from both Emirates and the Nigerian government.
With this new collaboration, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy is setting the stage for Nigeria’s tourism sector to flourish, increasing international exposure and investment in the country’s cultural and creative industries.
