Our position on tourism reforms is about due process, not personalities, FTAN insists

The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has made further clarifications on its position on the on-going reforms in the tourism industry, insisting that it is about following due process, carrying stakeholders along and not about the personalities or leadership of any tourism parastatal.

The umbrella body for private sector tourism operators also reiterated its commitment to the development and promotion of Nigerian tourism as the engine room for growing the nation’s economy, stressing that this it will continue to ensure that the right policies and laws are put in place to take care of the interests of the operators, country, investors and the industry.

On its present advocacy for the review of the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Act 2022 and Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) Act 2023, FTAN explained further that its position is not about fighting the institutes or individuals but rather is informed by the altruistic imperative of putting in place laws that address the needs of the industry by aligning it with global best practice.

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‘‘At the heart of the ongoing conversation in the industry is the call for a review of the NIHOTOUR and NTDA Acts and what those laws mean for the structure, regulation and development of Nigeria’s tourism industry today,” it stated, while noting that these are crucial issues that have a bigger implication for the country, industry and operators,” FTAN noted.

But, it also cautioned commentators on the matter not to reduce it to media debate through false narration that is aimed at portraying FTAN as antagonist, and not willing to conform to reforms and professionalising of the industry.

The above position was stressed in a press release signed by Aliyu Ajayi Badaki, president of the federation, in response to a recent media publication by one Frank Meke, in which he misrepresented the position of the federation and facts regarding its advocacy for the review of NIHOTOUR/NTDA Acts to ensure professionalism and regulation of the industry.

In the statement, FTAN noted: ‘‘The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has taken note of the commentary by Mr Frank Meke, in which he questioned the Federation’s position on recent developments involving the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), its Director-General, Dr Abisoye Fagade, and the National Committee on Industry Professional Bodies Recognition and Governance.

‘‘While FTAN respects the right of individuals and media practitioners to express their views on issues affecting the tourism industry, we believe that such discourse should be anchored on facts, due process and a proper understanding of the federation’s position.’’

The federation’s statement reads in part: ‘‘For the avoidance of doubt, FTAN’s concerns are not personal and should not be reduced to an opposition to any individual or institution. The Federation’s interventions are driven by its responsibility to protect the interests of its member-associations, tourism practitioners, investors and the wider industry as well as the country.

‘‘It is therefore misleading to suggest that FTAN is uncomfortable with NIHOTOUR or its leadership simply because the Federation has raised questions about certain policies, processes or initiatives.

‘‘As an umbrella body for tourism operators in the private sector, FTAN has both the right and responsibility to seek clarification where actions or proposals by government agencies may have implications for tourism businesses, practitioners and professional associations.

‘‘Indeed, responsible industry advocacy does not mean that an umbrella body must remain silent whenever it has reservations about a policy or regulatory process.

‘‘The issues raised by FTAN concerning the recognition and governance of professional bodies are matters of institutional importance. They deserve careful examination, consultation with affected stakeholders and adherence to the applicable legal and regulatory framework.’’

The tourism body further clarified that its recent issuance of advisories and cautions to its member-associations, stakeholders and the general public are standard practice and acceptable means of communicating concerns over any practice or policy that a responsible and focus-driven industrial or professional body, like FTAN, adopts to safeguard its members and the industry from being hoodwinked by imposters, policy and guidelines that are perceived injurious; not in the best interest of the operators or industry.

According to it; ‘‘FTAN’s position should therefore not be interpreted as a “cycle of advisories, cautions and boycott threats”. Where the Federation issues an advisory, it does so because it believes that its members and stakeholders deserve to be properly informed about developments that could affect their operations and professional interests.

‘‘Equally, where FTAN seeks clarification from an agency of government, it should not be portrayed as confrontation. Questioning government policy is part of responsible stakeholder engagement and advocacy.

‘‘The suggestion that FTAN has deliberately avoided media scrutiny is also not an accurate reflection of the Federation’s engagement with the industry. FTAN has consistently participated in stakeholder meetings, industry events and engagements with government agencies and other stakeholders.

‘‘However, FTAN does not believe that every disagreement must be conducted through the media. There are occasions when dialogue, consultation and institutional engagement are more productive than public exchanges.

‘‘The Federation is particularly concerned about the attempt to personalise an institutional debate by asking whether its position is directed at the Director-General of NIHOTOUR.

‘‘FTAN reiterates that its interventions are institutional, not personal. Dr Fagade, like every public officer, is entitled to perform his duties, while stakeholders are equally entitled to question policies and processes where they believe clarification or greater consultation is required.

‘‘Similarly, FTAN has no personal issue with Prof. Wasiu Babalola. The Federation’s interest is in the mandate, composition, procedures and expected outcomes of the committee on professional bodies’ recognition and governance.
These are issues that should be addressed through facts and transparent engagement rather than speculation about personalities or motives.’’

The federation further disclosed its readiness at seeking far-reaching solutions to the present impasse and not papering over the wall as it is the case presently where the true position and larger implications of the NIHOTOUR Act and Regulations of 2025, are veiled in the name of reforms and professionalism of the industry.
‘‘The tourism industry deserves solutions,’’ it noted; stressing; ‘‘But sustainable solutions cannot be achieved by dismissing legitimate concerns or portraying stakeholder advocacy as confrontation. They require mutual respect, consultation, transparency and a willingness by all parties to listen.

‘‘FTAN remains committed to constructive engagement with NIHOTOUR, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, the National Tourism Development Authority, professional associations and all other stakeholders.
‘‘The federation will continue to defend the legitimate interests of its members while supporting policies and initiatives that promote professionalism, investment, job creation and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sector.

‘‘Our doors remain open to dialogue. But dialogue must be based on facts, mutual respect and due process—not personalisation of institutional disagreements,” the statement concluded.