● Applauded Tourism minister Musawa
BY JUSTINA OKPANKU
Fresh controversy has emerged in Nigeria’s tourism industry following the maiden induction ceremony organised by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism in Abuja.
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, the umbrella body for hotels, travel agents, tour operators, cruise operators, and other tourism-reliant organisations, distanced itself from the event. FTAN said it was not carried along and reiterated its call for a review of the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act 2022.
Private operators described the induction as an attempt by NIHOTOUR to expand into areas outside its mandate. They said the Act, which was passed in 2022, has remained a source of dispute and has not resolved the issue of public-private sector participation.
FTAN President Badaki said the federation’s position on the Act is clear. He stated that the law assigns responsibilities beyond training and manpower development, infringing on functions that do not fall within NIHOTOUR’s remit as a training institute.
He noted that FTAN has been pressing for a review of the Act for the past four years. According to him, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, had on three occasions directed NIHOTOUR Director General Dr. Abisoye Fagade to halt implementation until a stakeholder forum could deliberate on the Act and agree on an acceptable mode of implementation.
Badaki expressed disappointment that NIHOTOUR proceeded with the induction and registration exercise despite the directive. He said the grey areas raised by FTAN have not been addressed.
The clarification followed inquiries from members and stakeholders who believed the ceremony was linked to a registration exercise for operators. “For the avoidance of doubt, FTAN was not part of the induction ceremony of operators as members and fellows performed last week in Abuja by NIHOTOUR,” Badaki said.
NIHOTOUR has defended the Act, saying it clearly defines the institute’s objectives, functions, and powers without ambiguity or duplication. A spokesperson said the attendance of senior government officials, including the minister, permanent secretary, and heads of other agencies, showed support for the process.
Badaki commended Musawa and Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Abdulkarim Ozi for their efforts to resolve the matter and for insisting on public-private partnership as the path to developing the sector. He said FTAN has outlined the grey areas and called for stakeholder deliberation before implementation.
He also urged member associations and stakeholders to abstain from any registration exercise conducted by NIHOTOUR until the issues are resolved. He assured them that FTAN’s executive council and board of trustees would pursue the matter through legal and legitimate channels.
The dispute between NIHOTOUR and FTAN has been ongoing. In June 2025, former FTAN President Nkereuwen Onung also called for an immediate review of the Act.
NIHOTOUR, established to provide training, accreditation, and certification for hospitality, travel, and tourism professionals, said the event marked a historic step for the institute.
