NIHOTOUR, FTAN Resolve Differences, Forge New Partnership to Advance Nigeria’s Tourism Sector
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) have moved to resolve lingering differences over the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022, agreeing to deepen collaboration and dialogue in the interest of Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism and travel industry.
The development followed a strategic meeting between the leadership of both organisations in Abuja on Wednesday, where stakeholders discussed issues surrounding the NIHOTOUR Act 2022, professionalisation of the tourism sector and the need for stronger cooperation between government institutions and private-sector operators.
The engagement is expected to ease tensions that had emerged between the two bodies and create a platform for sustained consultation on matters affecting tourism businesses, professionals and practitioners across the country.
In a joint statement signed by the Director-General of NIHOTOUR, Dr Abisoye Fagade, and FTAN President, Dr Aliyu Badaki, the organisations reaffirmed their commitment to working together to strengthen the sector and support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The two bodies agreed that contentious issues should be addressed through continuous dialogue, mutual respect, evidence-based engagement and constructive collaboration rather than confrontation.
They also agreed that all pending litigations relating to the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 would be pursued for amicable resolution through dialogue and due process, stressing that the overall interest of the industry and the need to maintain unity should remain paramount.
NIHOTOUR reaffirmed that its statutory responsibilities are aimed at promoting professionalism, competence, accountability and the orderly development of Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism industry.
The Institute also acknowledged the role of FTAN as the umbrella body representing the organised private sector in tourism and hospitality, recognising the importance of industry stakeholders in shaping a vibrant and sustainable tourism economy.
On its part, FTAN reaffirmed its willingness to engage constructively with NIHOTOUR in advancing the interests of tourism businesses, professionals and practitioners nationwide.
Both organisations noted that Nigeria’s tourism industry possesses significant potential to drive job creation, skills development, investment, economic diversification, cultural preservation and broader national development.
They stressed, however, that unlocking the full potential of the sector would require stronger partnerships between government agencies, professional bodies, private-sector operators and other stakeholders.
As part of the agreement reached at the meeting, NIHOTOUR and FTAN resolved to establish a joint committee comprising representatives of both organisations.
The committee will further deliberate on the issues raised by stakeholders, examine areas requiring clarification in the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 and develop practical recommendations as well as a mutually agreed pathway for moving forward.
According to the organisations, the committee will provide a structured platform for continuous consultation and engagement between NIHOTOUR and the tourism industry, while helping to address areas of concern before they escalate into broader disputes.
The two bodies also agreed to strengthen professionalism and standards across Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism and travel sectors, while supporting skills development, employment and opportunities for Nigerian professionals.
They further pledged to work towards creating a more predictable and investment-friendly environment capable of attracting greater investment into the tourism and hospitality industry.
The agreement is being seen as an important step towards rebuilding cooperation between NIHOTOUR and FTAN and ensuring that disagreements within the sector are resolved through institutional dialogue.
NIHOTOUR and FTAN described the engagement as the beginning of a new era of partnership and shared responsibility, stressing that the development and success of Nigeria’s tourism industry is bigger than any single institution or association.
They pledged to continue to engage, collaborate and work collectively towards building a stronger, more professional and competitive tourism industry capable of contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth.
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