FG INAUGURATES PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR D-8 MINISTERIAL AND 6TH SENIOR OFFICIALS MEETING ON TOURISM COOPERATION

The Federal Government has inaugurated a high-level Planning Committee to coordinate preparations for the upcoming D-8 Ministerial Meeting and 6th Senior Officials Meeting on Tourism Cooperation. The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation comprises 8 developing countries: Nigeria, Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, and Egypt. Tourism is one of its key priority areas for driving inclusive growth, job creation, and people-to-people exchange.

Inaugurating the Committee in her office, today in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, said the committee’s mandate is to ensure Nigeria hosts a seamless, impactful, and outcome-driven meeting that positions the D-8 bloc as a leading tourism destination.

The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE) Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa delivering her remarks, with the Permanent Secretary, Mr Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, before the inuguration of the Members of the Planning committee for the upcoming D-8 Ministerial and 6th Senior Officials meetings on Tourism Cooperation today in her office.

Musawa emphasized that "you don't need to serve Nigeria as a destination but to bring Nigeria through tourism to the world.  Although there is an already new tourism destination in Ekiti State, the meetings will help to bring international communities together into Nigeria with a common goal of economic development and diplomatic ties, she added.

According to the Minister "this inauguration signals Nigeria’s commitment to regional tourism cooperation, which will bring together Eight countries of the world, thereby bringing Nigeria through tourism to the world which will enhance economic development and diplomatic ties amongst member countries.

She charged the Planning Committee with delivering a world-class meeting that will produce concrete projects, policy recommendations, and investment opportunities for all D-8 Member States," adding that, the eyes of the world will be on Nigeria, so "we have to do our best and contribute our quota to Nigeria by giving our best to the success of the meetings".

The Planning Committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Mr. Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim and has members drawn from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigeria Tourism Development Authority, Security Agencies, the D-8 National Focal Point Office, amongst others.

The Permanent Secretary who is also the Chairman of the Committee, assured that the Committee will work round the clock to deliver on its mandate and showcase Nigeria’s rich tourism potentials to the D-8 community and the world.

He urged the Committee members to serve diligently and deliver the objectives of which the committee is set up. While urging the members to give in their best he said, the meetings is an "International assignment and should be international best" he added.

The D-8 Ministerial Meeting and 6th Senior Officials Meeting is expected to attract Tourism Ministers, Senior Officials, private sector stakeholders, and development partners from across the 8 Member States.

Amadi Uloma Nneka, anipr 

Head (Press & Public Relations) 

August 28, 2026