NIHOTOUR, FTAN Move to End Rift, Strengthen Nigeria’s Tourism Sector

Charles Ajunwa

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) have reaffirmed their commitment to work closely in order to strengthen Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism and travel industry.

In a statement jointly signed by Dr. Abisoye Fagade, Director General, NIHOTOUR and FTAN President, Dr Aliyu Badaki, after a meeting in Abuja, both leaders agreed to continue working closely together to strengthen professionalism and standards across the hospitality, tourism and travel sectors; deepen consultation by establishing a joint committee comprising representatives of both organisations.

They also agreed to further deliberate on the issues raised, examine areas requiring clarification in the NIHOTOUR Act 2022, and develop practical recommendations and a mutually agreed pathway for moving forward.

The committee will provide a structured platform for continued consultation and engagement between NIHOTOUR and the industry; address areas of concern through continuous dialogue and mutually constructive engagement; support skills development, employment and opportunities for Nigerian professionals; and create a more predictable and investment-friendly tourism environment.

These commitments followed a strategic engagement between the leadership of NIHOTOUR and FTAN to discuss issues surrounding the NIHOTOUR Act 2022, and the professionalisation of the sector.

Both organisations agreed that matters are best addressed through continuous dialogue, mutual respect, evidence-based engagement and constructive collaboration.

The parties further agreed that all pending litigations relating to the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 will be addressed amicably through dialogue and due process, in the interest of industry unity.

NIHOTOUR reaffirmed that its responsibilities are intended to promote professional standards, competence, accountability and the orderly development of the sector. The Institute also recognised the important role played by FTAN as the umbrella body representing the organised private-sector in shaping a vibrant tourism economy.

On its part, FTAN reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with NIHOTOUR in advancing the interests of tourism businesses, professionals and practitioners across Nigeria.

Both parties further recognise that Nigeria’s tourism industry has enormous potential to contribute to job creation, skills development, investment, economic diversification, cultural preservation and national development. Achieving this potential requires government institutions and the private sector to work as partners with a shared vision.

“NIHOTOUR and FTAN therefore consider today’s engagement an important step towards a new era of partnership and shared responsibility.

“We are united in the belief that the success of Nigeria’s tourism industry is bigger than any individual institution or association.

“Together, we will continue to engage, collaborate and forge ahead in building the tourism industry that Nigeria deserves,” the statement noted.