The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has formally written to the Director General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, calling for the immediate suspension of all activities related to nominations into the National Technical/Mirror Committee (TC/MC) on Tourism and Related Services.
FTAN, the apex umbrella body for the organised private sector in tourism, expressed strong dissatisfaction with a recent circular issued by the TC/MC inviting nominations into its sub-committees, describing the move as premature and a breach of trust.
In a letter signed by its President, Dr. Aliyu Ajayi Badaki, and titled “Re: Premature Call for Nominations into the TC/MC on Tourism and Related Services – A Breach of Trust and Procedural Lapses,” the Federation urged SON to halt the nomination process and take urgent steps to restore transparency, inclusiveness, and adherence to due process.
FTAN warned that the continued disregard for agreed procedures could send negative signals to the international community and potentially expose Nigeria to sanctions within global standardisation platforms.
According to the Federation, a previous meeting between FTAN and SON over the unilateral inauguration of the TC/MC ended inconclusively, with SON management promising to convene a follow-up meeting to address FTAN’s concerns. FTAN noted that the call for nominations, while those issues remain unresolved, undermines the reconciliation process and erodes confidence in the public-private partnership framework.
As a result, FTAN has directed all its member associations to decline participation in the nomination process. Members were also instructed not to submit names via the Google Form or any other channel provided by the TC/MC and to forward any related correspondence from SON to the FTAN Secretariat for record purposes.
“The strength of our Federation lies in our ability to speak with one voice,” the letter stated, warning that premature participation could weaken the private sector’s bargaining power and jeopardize the long-term interests of Nigeria’s tourism industry.
FTAN further raised concerns about alleged lapses in the vetting process for committee members, noting that some individuals were admitted without submitting curriculum vitae. It cited past incidents where inadequate representation reportedly led to Nigeria losing its voice at key international standardisation meetings, including within the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO).
The Federation also questioned the integrity and neutrality of the current TC/MC leadership, alleging conflicts of interest and a lack of demonstrated commitment to the voluntary nature of standards development work.
While stressing that it does not seek to interfere in SON’s internal affairs, FTAN maintained that it has a responsibility as a critical stakeholder to ensure that industry standards are developed by individuals with proven competence, commitment, and zero conflict of interest.
FTAN stated that it would not participate in the TC/MC until a follow-up meeting is held, the committee’s leadership is dissolved and reconstituted in line with due process, and a qualified, selfless volunteer—consistent with the provisions of PPDNNS 5.7.1.1(c)—is appointed to head the committee.
Despite the dispute, the Federation reaffirmed its commitment to professional collaboration with SON, provided such engagement is built on mutual respect and the meaningful inclusion of the organised private sector in decisions that directly affect the tourism industry.
2026-02-04