The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) have reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation aimed at enhancing consumer protection, improving service standards and promoting sustainable tourism development in Nigeria.
The commitment was made on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, when the Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Dr. Ola Awakan, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Welcoming the NTDA delegation, Bello underscored the strategic importance of tourism to Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts and stressed the need to foster a strong m culture capable of unlocking the sector’s vast potential.
He noted that although tourism is a concurrent responsibility of the Federal Government and the states, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority has an important role in providing strategic direction and setting standards that will inspire confidence among domestic and international visitors.
Bello observed that tourists’ experiences begin from their first point of entry into the country and emphasised the need for effective coordination among key institutions, including airport authorities, immigration and customs services, to ensure seamless and memorable experiences for visitors.
“The experience tourists receive upon arrival and throughout their stay determines whether they will return and whether they will recommend Nigeria to others. Every stakeholder must therefore play a role in creating a welcoming and efficient tourism ecosystem,” Bello said.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring fair treatment across the tourism value chain, adding that the FCCPC would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to uphold service standards and address consumer complaints.
Earlier, Dr. Awakan said his visit was intended to formally introduce himself and explore areas of cooperation between the two agencies.
He described tourism as one of Nigeria’s greatest untapped assets and a key vehicle for advancing economic diversification under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
According to him, the Authority is pursuing a number of initiatives to reposition the sector. These include reforms in the hospitality industry and the tour-guiding profession, the establishment of tourism information desks at airports and measures aimed at encouraging stronger private sector participation to ensure the sustainability of tourism projects.
Dr. Awakan also highlighted plans to leverage storytelling to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and tourism assets, including the proposed establishment of Africa’s first tourism-focused streaming platform.
Commending the FCCPC for its role in promoting fair market practices and protecting consumers, he expressed the Authority’s readiness to work closely with the Commission to enhance service delivery and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s tourism ecosystem.
In recognition of his support for efforts aimed at developing the sector, Dr. Awakan designated the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, as a Nigerian Tourism Ambassador and expressed confidence that the Commission would continue to support initiatives designed to promote tourism and enhance service standards.
Both organisations agreed to maintain close engagement in pursuit of higher service standards and improved consumer protection, while positioning tourism as an important contributor to economic growth and national development.
