NIHOTOUR, FTAN Close Ranks to Drive Professionalism and Growth in Tourism
By Chimezie Mike, National Publicity Secretary HATMAN
The Nigerian tourism industry may have entered a new and promising phase as the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) have agreed to set aside their differences and pursue a stronger partnership for the growth and professional development of the sector.
The development followed a strategic meeting between the leadership of both organisations in Abuja on Wednesday, where they reviewed outstanding issues surrounding the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 and discussed the broader need for greater professionalism, standards and collaboration within Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism and travel industry.
For me, this is a significant development for the Nigerian tourism industry.
For too long, disagreements among institutions and industry stakeholders have had the potential to distract from the bigger picture which is the urgent need to build a competitive, professional and investment-friendly tourism economy capable of creating jobs and opportunities for Nigerians.
The latest understanding between NIHOTOUR and FTAN therefore represents more than a resolution of differences. It presents an opportunity for both the public institution and the organised private sector to begin working from a position of partnership and shared responsibility.
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In a joint statement signed by the Director-General of NIHOTOUR, Dr Abisoye Fagade, and the President of FTAN, Dr Aliyu Badaki, both organisations agreed that issues affecting the industry should be addressed through continuous dialogue, mutual respect, evidence-based engagement and constructive collaboration.
Of particular importance is the agreement that pending litigation relating to the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 should be pursued toward an amicable resolution through dialogue and due process.
This is a welcome step.
The tourism industry does not need prolonged institutional disputes. What the industry needs is clarity, cooperation and a regulatory environment where government agencies, professional bodies, businesses, investors, educators and practitioners can work together with confidence.
NIHOTOUR has reaffirmed that its mandate is centred on promoting professional standards, competence, accountability and the orderly development of Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism and travel sector.
At the same time, the Institute recognises FTAN as the umbrella body representing the organised private sector and an important voice in shaping Nigeria’s tourism economy.
FTAN, on its part, has reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with NIHOTOUR in advancing the interests of tourism businesses, professionals and practitioners across the country.
This mutual recognition is important because the development of tourism cannot be achieved by government institutions alone. The private sector cannot equally succeed in isolation.
We need each other.
Nigeria possesses enormous tourism potential, but converting that potential into sustainable economic value requires a coordinated approach to skills development, professionalism, investment, destination development, service quality, employment and responsible tourism.
It is encouraging, therefore, that both organisations have agreed to strengthen professionalism and standards across the hospitality, tourism and travel sectors.
They have also agreed to establish a joint committee comprising representatives of NIHOTOUR and FTAN to examine the issues surrounding the implementation of the 2022 Act, identify areas requiring further clarification and develop practical recommendations and a mutually acceptable pathway forward.
The proposed committee could become one of the most important outcomes of this new relationship if it is given the opportunity to work transparently and inclusively.
Beyond the immediate issues surrounding the Act, the collaboration should also open the door to wider industry conversations on workforce development, certification, training, business growth, investment and the creation of sustainable employment opportunities for Nigerian professionals.
Nigeria's tourism industry is capable of becoming a major contributor to economic diversification, job creation, skills development, cultural preservation and national development.
But that transformation will only happen when stakeholders stop viewing one another primarily as opponents and begin seeing one another as partners with different but complementary responsibilities.
The latest agreement between NIHOTOUR and FTAN is therefore a step in the right direction.
The hatchet has been buried; the real work must now begin.
As an industry stakeholder and advocate for hospitality and tourism education, I believe this moment should be used to build a stronger bridge between government institutions and the organised private sector.
The priority should now be simple: professionalise the industry, create opportunities for our people, strengthen tourism businesses and position Nigeria as a competitive destination in Africa and the global tourism marketplace.
This is not the time to return to old disagreements.
This is the time to build.
Chimezie Mike
Tourism & Hospitality Development Advocate
Founder, Tourism Afrikania
Convener, African Hospitality and Tourism Education Summit (AHTES)
National Publicity Secretary, Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN)
