The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has reaffirmed its stance against the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Act 2022, stating that the unresolved issues raised by the federation have not been addressed by the institute's management.
Dr. Aliyu Ajayi Badaki, President of FTAN, praised member associations and other stakeholders who heeded the federation's call to abstain from any registration exercises conducted by NIHOTOUR. He emphasized that FTAN was not involved in the induction ceremony held last week in Abuja, where some operators were inducted as members and fellows by NIHOTOUR.
Badaki commended the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, and the Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim Abdulkarim Ozi, for their understanding and efforts to resolve the issues through public-private partnerships.
He clarified that FTAN's position on the NIHOTOUR Act is clear: while the law mandates training and manpower development for the tourism sector, NIHOTOUR is encroaching on areas beyond its purview. FTAN has identified grey areas that require stakeholder deliberation before implementation.
Badaki noted that the minister had directed NIHOTOUR's Director General, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, to halt the Act's implementation until a stakeholder forum convenes, but Fagade has circumvented due process through clandestine inductions and registrations.
FTAN also condemned the recent reconstitution of the Hospitality Sector Skill Council membership and its Board of Trustees by Fagade, alleging it was improperly constituted with cronies rather than qualified professionals.
Badaki clarified that FTAN is a professional body, not a trade union, representing businesses and professionals across travel, tourism, and hospitality. He assured members that the Executive Council and Board of Trustees would pursue legal and legitimate means to uphold FTAN's position.
