The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has cautioned its member-associations, stakeholders and the general public over the recent call by National institute of Hospitality and Tourism, NIHOTOUR, for submission of memoranda through its National Committee on Industry Professional Bodies Recognition and Governance (NCIPRG).
This is coming as the Federation continues its push for review of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022.
According to FTAN, which is the umbrella body representing the organised private sector of Nigeria’s tourism industry, ‘‘stakeholders are particularly advised not to submit memoranda merely to validate, legitimise or endorse a framework whose implications for the structure, autonomy and future governance of Nigeria’s tourism industry have not been adequately resolved.’’
This latest intervention is contained in its statement Titled: Advisory to the general tourism public on the call for memoranda by the National Committee on Industry Professional Bodies Recognition and Governance (NCIPRG).
In the widely circulated advisory signed by its President, Dr Aliyu Ajayi Badaki, FTAN reiterated its position on the NIHOTOUR Act 2022, stating that its implementation portends wider negative implications for the industry, the operators and the country, hence its consistent calls for its review by all the stakeholders, government and its agencies affected by the Act.
It will be recalled that NCIPRG was constituted by NIHOTOUR at the purported July 15, 2026 stakeholders’ engagement convened by it in Abuja.
FTAN and its member-associations and other relevant stakeholders abstained from the engagement on the directive of FTAN’s Council because it said the stakeholders’ engagement failed to meet the agreed threshold in convening the said public engagement.
The advisory reads in parts: ‘‘Following the publication of the said notice, FTAN considers it necessary to reiterate its position and issue this further advisory to associations, practitioners, businesses, professional bodies, investors, institutions and other stakeholders in the Nigerian tourism, hospitality and travel industry.
The current call for memoranda seeks views on the recognition, governance, certification, professional practice and collaboration of professional bodies within Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism and travel industry.
While FTAN supports appropriate professional standards, capacity development, ethical practice and effective regulation in the tourism industry, such initiatives must be undertaken through a transparent, inclusive, legally sound and sector-led process, with due regard to the existing institutional and regulatory framework governing tourism in Nigeria.’’
In the advisory, FTAN stated its concern thus: ‘‘FTAN is concerned that the current memorandum exercise may inadvertently provide stakeholder endorsement and legitimacy to a policy direction which significant sections of the tourism industry have already called for review.
‘‘The Federation therefore cautions stakeholders against participating in the exercise in a manner that could be interpreted as acceptance, validation or endorsement of the proposed PRPP framework or any arrangement that seeks to expand NIHOTOUR’s regulatory or professional jurisdiction over areas that properly belong within the broader tourism sector.
‘‘FTAN’s position is that the underlying policy and institutional questions must first be subjected to a comprehensive review and broad-based consultation involving the recognised umbrella bodies, professional associations, operators, practitioners, investors and other legitimate stakeholders across the tourism and travel value chain.’’
According to FTAN, its opposition to the Act is not tantamount to rejection of creating standards, regulation and professionalism in the sector, rather its in sync with it, however, it wants it to be done manifestly right for the good of the industry, country and operators.
Its therefore stressed; ‘‘For the avoidance of doubt, FTAN strongly supports: Professionalism and ethical standards in the tourism, hospitality and travel industry; Competency development and continuous professional education; Recognition of legitimate professional bodies;
Improved service standards and consumer protection; Collaboration between government agencies, professional bodies and industry associations; and A regulatory environment that promotes investment, innovation, employment and sustainable tourism development.
‘‘However, these objectives must not be pursued through a framework that could create overlapping mandates, excessive regulation, institutional conflicts or the concentration of professional recognition and regulatory authority in one institution without adequate legal, institutional and industry-wide consensus.’’
In the advisory, FTAN clearly outline a call for action and resolution of the present impasse, noting: ‘‘In view of the foregoing, FTAN advises its members and the general tourism public to exercise caution and, pending the resolution of the broader policy and institutional concerns, refrain from participating in the current NCIPRG memorandum submission exercise where such participation may be construed as endorsement of the proposed PRPP framework or the policy direction underlying it.
‘‘Stakeholders are particularly advised not to submit memoranda merely to validate, legitimise or endorse a framework whose implications for the structure, autonomy and future governance of Nigeria’s tourism industry have not been adequately resolved.
Further; ‘‘FTAN maintains that the future governance and professional regulation of Nigeria’s tourism industry should be developed through a genuine, inclusive and transparent sector-wide process, involving the recognised tourism umbrella bodies and the full spectrum of stakeholders. Especially that some of our members were dragged to courts and are in courts with NIHOTOUR.
‘‘The Federation remains committed to constructive engagement with the Federal Government, relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, NIHOTOUR and other stakeholders towards finding a sustainable solution that will strengthen professionalism while protecting the interests, independence and growth of Nigeria’s tourism sector.
‘‘We therefore urge all tourism stakeholders to remain vigilant, united and properly informed, and to await further guidance from the Federation as discussions on the matter continue.’’
