INSTITUTE FOR TOURISM
PROFESSIONAL OF NIGERIA
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the interests and businesses of tourism operators while championing reforms aimed at unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s tourism industry.
Speaking at a press conference to mark one year of the current administration, FTAN President, Dr. Badaki Aliyu, said the federation’s priority has been to address long-standing structural challenges that have hindered investment, threatened the survival of tourism businesses and weakened the organised private sector.
Addressing journalists on the theme, “Changing the Narrative: Tackling the Structural Challenges of Nigeria’s Tourism Industry Through the Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM),” Aliyu said the federation has deliberately focused on building a stronger voice for private sector operators and creating an enabling environment for tourism businesses to thrive.
He noted that the Tourism Transformation Mandate, adopted as FTAN’s strategic blueprint, is designed to strengthen institutional governance, promote investment, improve policy coordination and safeguard the interests of members across the tourism value chain.
On the lingering controversy surrounding the Nigerian Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Act 2022 and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) Act, FTAN maintained that the current legal framework has created uncertainty and negatively affected operators.
According to the federation, the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act has generated confusion within the industry, fueled disagreements among stakeholders and resulted in several court cases that have disrupted business activities
To restore confidence in the sector, FTAN called on the Federal Government to return both the NIHOTOUR and NTDA Acts to the National Assembly for re-enactment, with clearer provisions defining the roles of government agencies and private sector stakeholders
The federation urged the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy to expedite the process, stressing that a stable and predictable regulatory environment is essential for investment, business growth and job creation
Aliyu said FTAN would continue to engage government through dialogue and advocacy to ensure that policies and regulations support, rather than hinder, legitimate tourism businesses.
He added that over the past year, the federation has strengthened collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority and other relevant agencies to ensure that the voice of organised private sector operators is reflected in national tourism policies.
Beyond policy advocacy, FTAN said it has strengthened its internal structures, improved stakeholder engagement and commenced plans to reinforce state chapters through zonal coordination to better respond to members’ needs across the country
The federation also highlighted efforts to reconnect Nigeria’s organised private tourism sector with regional institutions, including the ECOWAS Commission and COPITOUR, to create new business opportunities, encourage cross-border partnerships and attract investment into the sector.
As part of its strategy to expand business opportunities for members, FTAN announced that the Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) has been repositioned into a regional investment platform that will connect tourism businesses with investors, development partners and government institutions.
The federation further disclosed that it secured ECOWAS support for the hosting of the COPITOUR Executive Meeting during NTIFE 2026 in Abuja, a development expected to boost Nigeria’s profile as a regional tourism hub and create fresh opportunities for tourism enterprises.
Reaffirming its commitment to members, FTAN pledged to intensify advocacy for investment-friendly policies, regulatory reforms and stronger public-private partnerships capable of stimulating enterprise development, protecting tourism businesses and positioning Nigeria as West Africa’s leading tourism destination.
Aliyu said the federation would remain focused on ensuring that the organized private sector not only survives current challenges but also leads the transformation of Nigeria’s tourism industry through unity, strategic partnerships and sustainable growth
Source: Vanguard, reporting by Jimoh Babatunde. (FTAN pledges stronger protection for members… pushes reforms to grow Nigeria’s tourism industry – Vanguard News)