Federal Govt Unveils Africa’s First Tourism Streaming Hub

BY GBODIYAN OLUWAKEMI KAREN

The federal government has unveiled Africa’s first dedicated tourism streaming hub, NITOUREY, to leverage digital storytelling and reposition Nigeria’s tourism sector and boost its global appeal.

NITOUREY, an innovative platform, aims to showcase Nigeria’s diverse cultural assets and tourism destinations to both domestic and international audiences.

The director-general of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Ola Awakan, who disclosed this during a media parley in Abuja yesterday, said the initiative marked a significant step towards redefining how Nigeria is presented to the world.

Awakan said the platform was conceived to address the growing need for visibility and compelling narratives in tourism promotion, stressing that perception remains a key driver of tourist interest and investment.

According to him, NITOUREY will utilise film, documentaries and other multimedia content to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and creative potential to both local and international audiences.

“Today’s engagement is not just another event; it is a strategic convergence of ideas, innovation and national purpose.

“The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), as you are aware, is statutorily mandated to regulate, market, promote, and develop tourism in Nigeria. Central to this mandate is the responsibility to position Nigeria as a compelling tourism destination, one that reflects our rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, creative ingenuity, and the warmth of our people.

“However, beyond policy implementation and regulation, we recognise that perception is everything. Tourism thrives on storytelling, visibility, and the ability of a nation to present itself to the world in a manner that is both authentic and aspirational,” he said.

The DG also noted that the Authority, beyond its regulatory role, is committed to positioning Nigeria as a preferred destination by adopting innovative strategies that align with global trends in tourism and digital engagement.

He added that partnerships with agencies such as the Nigerian Film Corporation, the National Film and Video Censors Board and the National Information Technology Development Agency would further strengthen the project.

Awakan also acknowledged the role of private sector partners, TOURCLIQ Creatives Limited and JM MiSA International Limited, whose contributions, he said, were instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.

He called on corporate organisations and investors to support the platform, describing it as a national project with the potential to drive economic growth and increase tourist traffic across the country.

According to him, the unveiling of NITOUREY shows a new direction for Nigeria’s tourism sector, with a growing focus on digital innovation, storytelling and global competitiveness.