Lagos State set the stage for a historic push to reposition South-West Nigeria as a premier global destination. The National Association of Tourism Practitioners (ATPN) South West Region successfully convened the International Tourism Expo 2025, a landmark event uniting all six states of the geopolitical zone.
Held on December 5th and 6th, 2025, at Ikeja, Lagos, the expo marked a concerted effort towards tourism advancement and economic revitalization, signaling a new chapter for the sector in the region.
Under the leadership of Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon, National Vice President of ATPN South West, the event gathered dignitaries from across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States.
The expo's international flavour was underscored by a high-profile delegation from India, highlighting the event's goal of forging global partnerships. In his keynote address, Apata issued a powerful call to action, stressing that the tourism sector remains a vastly untapped goldmine for Nigeria.
"Tourism has not received the required attention, making it one of the areas yet to be fully explored in Nigeria today," Apata stated. He emphasized the sector's potential to generate millions in revenue and provide substantial employment, urging both state and federal governments to prioritize strategic investment. This expo, he noted, was specifically designed to showcase the rich and diverse offerings of South-West Nigeria to the international community and attract much-needed investment.
The commitment for international collaboration was solidified by Dhawnani Aum the chairman Indian community in Lagos present at the Lagos event. He highlighted the natural cultural synergy between India and Nigeria and expressed the Indian community's eagerness to partner on tourism promotion. Revealing plans to celebrate Indian Cultural Day in Lagos, he extended an invitation for ATPN to participate and promised to facilitate a knowledge-exchange visit to India, paving the way for cross-cultural tourism initiatives.
The expo also included a prestigious awards ceremony, where distinguished individuals were honored for their contributions to the industry. Among the esteemed awardees was Chief Mobee, recognized for his longstanding impact and dedication.
The ATPN South West International Tourism Expo 2025 has set a new benchmark, successfully transitioning from talk to action by uniting regional stakeholders and securing international interest, thereby lighting a clear path toward a more prosperous and explored tourism landscape for South-West Nigeria.