By Seun Ibiyemi
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) have reaffirmed their commitment to working together to strengthen Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism and travel industry in support of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The commitment followed a strategic meeting between the leadership of both organisations in Abuja on Wednesday, where they discussed issues surrounding the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 and the professionalisation of the tourism sector.
In a joint statement signed by NIHOTOUR Director-General, Dr Abisoye Fagade, and FTAN President, Dr Aliyu Badaki, the organisations agreed that outstanding issues should be addressed through continuous dialogue, mutual respect, evidence-based engagement and constructive collaboration.
Both organisations agreed that pending litigations relating to the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 would be addressed amicably through dialogue and due process in the interest of unity within the industry.
NIHOTOUR reaffirmed that its responsibilities under the law are aimed at promoting professional standards, competence, accountability and the orderly development of Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sector.
The Institute also acknowledged FTAN’s role as the umbrella body representing the organised private sector in efforts to build a vibrant tourism economy.
FTAN, in turn, reaffirmed its willingness to engage constructively with NIHOTOUR in advancing the interests of tourism businesses, professionals and practitioners across the country.
As part of the resolutions reached at the meeting, NIHOTOUR and FTAN agreed to establish a joint committee comprising representatives of both organisations.
The committee will deliberate further on the issues raised, examine areas requiring clarification in the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 and develop practical recommendations and a mutually agreed pathway for implementation.
According to the organisations, the committee will also provide a structured platform for sustained consultation and engagement between NIHOTOUR and industry stakeholders.
They further agreed to strengthen professionalism and standards across the hospitality, tourism and travel sectors while addressing areas of concern through continuous dialogue.
READ ALSO:Tegbe secures Chinese commitments to accelerate Nigeria’s power projects
NIHOTOUR and FTAN said Nigeria’s tourism industry has significant potential to drive job creation, skills development, investment, economic diversification, cultural preservation and national development.
They stressed that unlocking the sector’s potential requires stronger partnership between government institutions and private-sector stakeholders based on a shared vision.
Both organisations therefore pledged to support skills development and employment opportunities for Nigerian tourism professionals while working towards creating a more predictable and investment-friendly environment for businesses.
They described the latest engagement as an important step towards a new era of partnership and shared responsibility in the tourism industry.
The organisations said the success of Nigeria’s tourism sector is bigger than any individual institution or association, pledging to continue working together to build a stronger industry.
