The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) have reached a collaboration agreement aimed at resolving areas of disagreement surrounding the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 and strengthening professionalism in Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sector.
The agreement followed a strategic meeting between the leadership of the two organisations in Abuja on Wednesday, where they discussed issues relating to the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 and the professionalisation of the hospitality, tourism and travel industry.
In a joint statement signed by the Director-General of NIHOTOUR, Dr Abisoye Fagade, and FTAN President, Dr Aliyu Badaki, the organisations reaffirmed their commitment to continuous dialogue, mutual respect, evidence-based engagement and constructive collaboration.
They agreed that all 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 and the growth of the tourism industry.
NIHOTOUR reaffirmed that its responsibilities were designed to promote professional standards, competence, accountability and the orderly development of the sector.
The Institute also acknowledged the role of FTAN as the umbrella body representing the organised private sector in shaping a vibrant tourism economy.
FTAN, on its part, reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with NIHOTOUR in advancing the interests of tourism businesses, professionals and practitioners across the country.
Both organisations noted that Nigeria’s tourism industry has enormous potential to contribute to job creation, skills development, investment, economic diversification, cultural preservation and national development.
They stressed that achieving the sector’s full potential requires government institutions and private-sector stakeholders to work together with a shared vision.
As part of the agreement, NIHOTOUR and FTAN resolved to establish a joint committee comprising representatives of both organisations to 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 moving forward.
The committee, they said, would provide a structured platform for continued consultation and engagement between NIHOTOUR and the industry.
The organisations also agreed to:
Strengthen professionalism and standards across the hospitality, tourism and travel sectors;
Deepen consultation between NIHOTOUR and FTAN;
Address areas of concern through continuous dialogue and constructive engagement;
Support skills development, employment and opportunities for Nigerian professionals; and
Create a more predictable and investment-friendly environment for the tourism sector.
NIHOTOUR and FTAN described the engagement as an important step towards a new era of partnership and shared responsibility.
They maintained that the success of Nigeria’s tourism industry was bigger than any individual institution or association, stressing that both organisations would continue to engage, collaborate and work together to build a stronger tourism industry.
