NATOP Begins 10th AGM Conference, Unveils Association’s First National Secretariat in Lagos

By Stella Okocha 

The Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) has officially unveiled its first-ever National Secretariat in Lagos , which represents a new era for practitioners a new chapter in the tour operating industry that promotes professionalism, collaboration across the sector, and a strategic move in strengthening, expanding and advancing domestic tourism.

The official opening of the Secretariat on Wednesday July 8th, 2026, marked the beginning of the 3-day NATOP’s 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled to be held from July 8 to July 12, 2026.

Speaking at the unveiling, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, described the secretariat as an innovative space that would encourage more residents and visitors to experience tourism within Lagos.

“It’s going to help promote domestic tourism and community tourism a lot,” she said.

Representing the Lagos state governor and the ministry of culture, art and tourism, Mrs Oyekan said the facility combines wellness, culinary and business experiences under one roof, making it attractive for people seeking relaxation without leaving the city; adding that “When you’re busy or you feel stressed, come and de-stress here. It’s a place to be. I’m really very happy to be here. It’s a lovely and Fantastic idea.”

Also speaking at the event, NATOP President, Mrs.Bolaji Mustapha, expressed joyful excitement in the unveiling of the Secretariat, which marked a historic achievement for the association, being the first national secretariat since its inception.

“This is the first time in history that NATOP is having a secretariat. The essence is for us to be visible so that they know where to locate us. We need a location and I pray that by the grace of God we have our own permanent site where we’ll be located but this is the beginning,” she said.

Mustapha explained that beyond serving as the association’s operational base, the facility would provide members with workstations for business activities, private meeting lounges and a conference room that could be rented for meetings and events.

She highlighted that the initiative would also generate income to support NATOP’s activities while enhancing tourism promotion through the experience centre.

Mustapha also pointed out that the establishment of the secretariat would also help tackle quackery within the tour operating business by promoting professionalism and encouraging practitioners to acquire the necessary training.

According to her “When NATOP is visible, quacks will no longer have any option than to fall in line, do their business professionally. NATOP is strictly for professionals, that’s why we’re positioning ourselves to say come on, let’s train you to be a professional, and clients should actually align to deal with professionals only.”

Further more, Mustapha said the association would deepen partnerships with foreign embassies to help identify genuine tour operators, while also working more closely with federal and state governments to develop tourism sites across Nigeria.

She added that NATOP remained committed to establishing a larger permanent headquarters that could host visitors and support more industry activities.

Presenting his goodwill speech, NATOP Board of Trustees Chairman, Mr Nkereuwem Onung, described the opening of the secretariat as a defining moment in the association’s evolution.

“The opening of this secretariat signifies a whole lot. One it signifies stability, it signifies structure, and it gives credence to the future,” Onung said.

Onung recalled how the association’s early years looked, he noted that previous leaders worked without a permanent office and commended the current leadership for turning the vision into reality.

He said the development would further strengthen domestic tourism and destination marketing, urging state governments to continue partnering with NATOP to showcase Nigeria’s tourism assets.

He also noted 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 unveiling of the National Secretariat sets the tone for NATOP’s 10th AGM, which will bring together tour operators, tourism stakeholders, policymakers and development partners from across the country to deliberate on the future of Nigeria’s tourism industry and strengthen collaboration for sustainable sector growth.

The Secretariat which is currently located at 21, Osho Street, by Old Opebi link bridge, is a facility that provides members with workstations, meeting spaces, a conference room and an integrated tourism experience centre designed to support business, networking and leisure.