Abuja: Mr. Shola Ilupeju, the Chief Executive Officer of Travel Marketing Partner (TMP), announced that stakeholders have collaborated to implement biometrics and advanced technologies to bolster security in Nigeria’s tourism sector. This announcement was made during a news conference in Abuja, as part of the activities leading up to the two-day inaugural National Tourism Safety and Security Technology Conference and Exhibition.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ilupeju emphasized the importance of broad collaboration among security agencies, ministries, and other stakeholders in building a safe and resilient tourism industry. The conference, organized by TMP in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), aims to focus on improving safety across the tourism ecosystem.
Ilupeju detailed that the conference, themed ‘Safe and Secure Destination: Key to Sustainable Tourism Development,’ would advocate for the use of biometric verification systems, modern security technologies, and innovative risk management strategies. He noted that in an era where travel decisions are significantly influenced by a destination’s commitment to safety, the conference will tackle pressing industry challenges, including highway security, infrastructure safety, and legal obligations for hospitality providers.
The event, supported by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), will introduce the National Safe and Secure Travel Experience (NASTREX) initiative. Backed by the NTDA’s Director-General, NASTREX is designed as a strategic tool to employ technology that reduces industry risks, promotes local governance of safety, and draws significant investments into Nigerian tourism.
Ilupeju highlighted that the conference is expected to gather tourism operators, security agencies, government officials, technology providers, insurers, and other stakeholders to foster safe and sustainable tourism development in Nigeria. The event is scheduled to take place from July 6 to July 7 at the Army Headquarters Command, Asokoro, Abuja.