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The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) have agreed to resolve lingering differences over the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 through dialogue, mutual respect and due process.
The agreement followed a strategic meeting between the two organisations in Abuja on Wednesday, where they reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration and the professionalisation of Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism and travel industry.
In a joint statement signed by NIHOTOUR Director General, Dr Abisoye Fagade, and FTAN President, Dr Aliyu Badaki, both organisations agreed that all pending litigations relating to the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 should be addressed amicably through dialogue and due process in the interest of industry unity.
The development is expected to ease tensions surrounding the Act and pave the way for greater cooperation between the government institution and private-sector stakeholders in the tourism industry.
NIHOTOUR said its responsibilities under the law are aimed at promoting professional standards, competence, accountability and the orderly development of the sector, while recognising FTAN’s role as the umbrella body representing the organised private sector in Nigeria’s tourism industry.
FTAN, in turn, reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with NIHOTOUR in advancing the interests of tourism businesses, professionals and practitioners across the country.
The two organisations stressed that Nigeria’s tourism industry has significant potential to drive job creation, skills development, investment, economic diversification, cultural preservation and national development.
They, however, noted that unlocking this potential would require stronger partnerships between government institutions and private-sector stakeholders, anchored on a shared vision for the sector.
As part of the agreement, NIHOTOUR and FTAN will establish a joint committee comprising representatives of both organisations to examine issues arising from the NIHOTOUR Act 2022, identify areas requiring clarification and develop practical recommendations and a mutually agreed pathway forward.
The committee will also provide a structured platform for sustained consultation between NIHOTOUR and the tourism industry.
Both parties further agreed to strengthen professionalism and standards across the hospitality, tourism and travel sectors, address areas of concern through continuous engagement, support skills development and employment opportunities for Nigerian professionals, and promote a more predictable and investment-friendly tourism environment.
The organisations described the engagement as an important step towards a new era of partnership and shared responsibility, stressing that the success of Nigeria’s tourism industry transcends the interests of any single institution or association.
They pledged to continue working together to build a stronger, more professional and competitive tourism industry capable of contributing meaningfully to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
