Mustapha Muhammed leads Nigeria’s tourism charge at WTM London as NTDA returns to global stage
Maureen Aguta
Nigeria is set to reclaim its place on the global tourism map as the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) leads a high-powered delegation of private-sector stakeholders to the 2026 World Travel Market (WTM) in London, with the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) making a return to the international exhibition.
The three-day event, scheduled for November 3 to 5, offers Nigeria an opportunity to showcase its tourism potential, attract foreign investment, forge international partnerships and translate its growing cultural influence into increased visitor arrivals.
NANTA’s participation marks another milestone in the association’s efforts to sustain Nigeria’s presence at the world’s leading travel and tourism trade exhibition, following its privately funded intervention that secured the country’s participation for three consecutive years between 2022 and 2024.
Nigeria’s inconsistent presence at WTM London since 2013, when Otunba Segun Runsewe left the then Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), now NTDA, has reportedly weakened the country’s visibility and promotional efforts in the highly competitive global tourism market.
Concerned about the development, NANTA mobilised its members and sourced private funding to restore Nigeria’s presence at the exhibition, before formally handing over the initiative to the Federal Government through the then Ministry of Tourism and its tourism agency during the 2024 edition.
This year, the association’s First Deputy President, Mustapha Mohammed, is leading a high-powered delegation to London, marking his first international assignment since his election into the association’s leadership.
Mohammed is representing NANTA President, Dr Yinka Folami, who is currently engaged in another assignment on behalf of the association.
Speaking from London, Mohammed expressed excitement about leading the delegation, commending NANTA members for their sacrifices and sustained commitment to advancing Nigeria’s tourism industry.
“I feel privileged to lead this great association to the London travel market and, most interestingly, to inspire again the return of Nigeria to the global tourism and travel trade market.
“We are proud to be the only association with a dedicated stand at WTM London, and I must thank our president, Dr Yinka Folami, for making this happen.
“As usual, we expect the teeming numbers of NANTA members to be here to make Nigeria proud. We understand NTDA will be here, and together, Nigeria’s tourism flag will fly again,” he said.
Meanwhile, NANTA’s immediate past president, Susan Akporiaye, has arrived in London ahead of the exhibition, where she is reportedly coordinating efforts to ensure seamless participation by the Federal Government through the NTDA.
Her involvement underscores her longstanding commitment to Nigeria’s tourism development and advocacy for credible, experienced industry professionals to lead the country’s participation in international tourism exhibitions.
Also expected at the event is Nkereweum Onung, Chairman of the Nigeria Tourism Sector Skills Council and immediate past President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN).
Onung, who also serves as Honorary Senior Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, is expected to leverage the global platform to promote Nigeria’s tourism opportunities.
He is also expected to unveil a new tourism marketing company, Experience Ibom, later in the year, as part of efforts to position Akwa Ibom State as a leading destination for domestic and international tourists.
The initiative aligns with Governor Eno’s tourism development agenda, which has seen increased investment in infrastructure and efforts to position the state as a destination of choice for visitors.
With NANTA’s strong private-sector presence, the expected participation of NTDA and the involvement of other industry stakeholders, Nigeria is seeking to consolidate its presence in the international tourism marketplace.
Beyond the global popularity of Afrobeats and Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage, particularly its celebrated Jollof rice, stakeholders see WTM London as an opportunity to convert the country’s cultural appeal into concrete tourism investments, business partnerships and increased visitor traffic.
For Nigeria, the exhibition represents more than a return to the global stage. It is an opportunity to reposition tourism as a viable economic driver, capable of generating foreign exchange, creating jobs and diversifying the economy beyond oil.