NIHOTOUR, FTAN end feud, forge fresh alliance

 

By Maureen Aguta

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) have resolved their differences over the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022, paving the way for a fresh partnership to reposition Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism and travel industry.

The agreement followed a strategic meeting between the leadership of both organisations in Abuja on Wednesday, where they reviewed contentious issues surrounding the Act and the professionalisation of the sector.

In a joint statement signed by NIHOTOUR Director-General, Dr Abisoye Fagade, and FTAN President, Dr Aliyu Badaki, the parties agreed to settle outstanding matters through dialogue, mutual respect, evidence-based engagement and due process.

They also agreed that pending litigations arising from the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 would be addressed amicably in the interest of industry unity.

At the centre of the new understanding is the establishment of a joint NIHOTOUR-FTAN committee to examine areas requiring clarification in the Act, consider issues raised by stakeholders and develop practical recommendations for implementation.

The committee will also provide a structured platform for sustained consultation between NIHOTOUR and the organised private sector, with the aim of preventing further disputes and strengthening cooperation.

The resolution effectively shifts the relationship between the two bodies from contention to collaboration, with both sides committing to work together on professional standards, skills development and the growth of the tourism economy.

NIHOTOUR said its statutory responsibilities were focused on promoting professionalism, competence, accountability and orderly development across the hospitality and tourism sectors.

The Institute also acknowledged FTAN’s role as the umbrella body for the organised private sector and its contribution to shaping policies for a stronger tourism industry.

FTAN, in turn, pledged continued constructive engagement with NIHOTOUR in advancing the interests of tourism businesses, professionals and practitioners nationwide.

Beyond the Act-related issues, both organisations agreed to support skills development and employment opportunities for Nigerian professionals and work towards a more predictable and investment-friendly environment for tourism businesses.

They said Nigeria’s tourism industry had the capacity to generate jobs, attract investment, promote skills development, diversify the economy and preserve the country’s cultural heritage.

However, they stressed that achieving these objectives required government institutions and private-sector operators to operate as partners rather than adversaries.

The organisations described the agreement as a significant step towards a new era of partnership and shared responsibility, insisting that the development of Nigeria’s tourism industry was bigger than any single institution or association.

The renewed collaboration is expected to provide a formal mechanism for resolving regulatory concerns while allowing NIHOTOUR and FTAN to focus on their broader shared objective of building a more professional, competitive and sustainable tourism industry.

Add a sharper dispute-focused lead
Trim repeated partnership language
Clarify the committee’s responsibilities