By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) has inaugurated its first National Secretariat, marking a major milestone in the association’s history as it seeks to strengthen domestic tourism, promote professionalism and deepen collaboration within Nigeria’s tourism industry.
The secretariat, located at 13 Osho Street, Opebi Link Bridge, Ikeja, Lagos, was officially unveiled on Wednesday ahead of the association’s 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled to hold from July 8 to July 12, 2026.
The facility features workstations, meeting spaces, a conference room and an integrated tourism experience centre designed to support business activities, networking and leisure for members and stakeholders.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, described the secretariat as an innovative initiative that would boost domestic and community tourism in Lagos.
According to the permanent secretary, the facility combines wellness, culinary and business experiences under one roof, offering residents and visitors a destination for relaxation and engagement without leaving the city.
NATOP President, Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha, described the unveiling as a historic achievement, noting that it is the first time the association has established a national secretariat since its inception.
She said the office would provide the association with a visible operational base while creating opportunities for members to conduct business through dedicated workspaces, private meeting lounges and a conference room available for events and meetings.
Mustapha explained that the secretariat would also serve as a revenue-generating asset for the association while promoting tourism through its integrated experience centre.
She added that the facility would help address quackery in the tour operating industry by encouraging practitioners to embrace professionalism and acquire the necessary training.
According to her, greater visibility for NATOP would encourage clients to engage only certified professionals while motivating unregistered operators to comply with industry standards.
Looking ahead, Mustapha said the association plans to strengthen partnerships with foreign embassies to help identify genuine tour operators and collaborate more closely with federal and state governments to develop tourism destinations across Nigeria.
She reaffirmed NATOP’s commitment to establishing a larger permanent headquarters capable of accommodating more visitors and supporting expanded industry activities.
Chairman of the NATOP Board of Trustees, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, described the opening of the secretariat as a defining moment in the association’s evolution.
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He said the development symbolises stability, institutional growth and a stronger foundation for the future of Nigeria’s tour operating industry.
Onung recalled that previous administrations of the association operated without a permanent office and commended the current leadership for transforming the long-held vision into reality.
He also urged state governments to continue partnering with NATOP to promote destination marketing and showcase Nigeria’s tourism assets, noting that the association’s Annual General Meeting has rotated among states over the past decade, with Lagos hosting the event for the second time since 2017.
The inauguration of the National Secretariat sets the stage for NATOP’s landmark 10th Annual General Meeting, which is expected to bring together tour operators, policymakers, tourism stakeholders and development partners to deliberate on strategies for advancing sustainable growth in Nigeria’s tourism sector.
