…Unveils Agenda to Transform Tourism Sector
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has called for the re-enactment of the Nigerian Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Act 2022 and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) Act, arguing that ambiguities in the laws have created confusion, industry-wide disagreements and a wave of litigation that is hindering the growth of the tourism sector.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at a press conference marking one year of the current FTAN administration led by its President, Dr. Badaki Aliyu, under the theme, “Changing the Narrative: Tackling the Structural Challenges of Nigeria’s Tourism Industry Through the Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM).”
According to the federation, the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act has generated unprecedented challenges within the industry, resulting in disputes among stakeholders and court cases that have further fragmented the sector.
“The position of FTAN is that both the Acts of NTDA and NIHOTOUR should be returned to the National Assembly for re-enactment to clearly define the roles of the agencies and stakeholders,” the communiqué stated.
FTAN urged the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, to fast-track the review process in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Reflecting on its first year in office, the federation said it has focused on addressing the structural challenges that have constrained tourism development while laying the foundation for long-term growth through its Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM), a strategic blueprint adopted to guide the industry.
The body identified weak institutional coordination, fragmented stakeholder engagement, policy inconsistencies and inadequate public-private sector collaboration as some of the major challenges facing the tourism industry.
To address these concerns, FTAN said it has strengthened its secretariat, expanded engagement with member associations, and initiated plans to reinforce state chapters through the creation of zonal structures.
The federation also highlighted its active participation in policy discussions surrounding the implementation of tourism-related legislation and its efforts to ensure that the private sector plays a more prominent role in tourism governance.
On government-private sector relations, FTAN said it has rebuilt productive working relationships with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, while deepening collaboration with the NTDA and other government institutions.
The federation further reported progress in regional integration and international cooperation, noting that it had restored institutional ties with the ECOWAS Commission and strengthened collaboration with the Conference of Tourism Ministers and Stakeholders of West Africa (COPITOUR) and other development partners.
As part of efforts to position Nigeria as a regional tourism hub, FTAN disclosed that it secured ECOWAS support for the hosting of the COPITOUR Executive Meeting in Abuja during the 2026 Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE).
According to the federation, the move will provide a platform for tourism dialogue, investment promotion and cross-border partnerships across West Africa.
FTAN also announced the repositioning of NTIFE into a broader regional investment platform designed to attract investors, development partners, state governments and tourism businesses seeking opportunities across the tourism value chain.
The federation noted that it had significantly increased media engagement and advocacy efforts over the past year, thereby improving stakeholder confidence and strengthening its visibility as the umbrella body of Nigeria’s organised private tourism sector.
Reaffirming its commitment to industry growth, FTAN resolved to continue implementing the Tourism Transformation Mandate, intensify advocacy for regulatory reforms, promote investment-friendly tourism policies and strengthen collaboration with regional and international institutions.
The federation expressed confidence that the foundations laid during its first year in office would enable the organised private sector to play a more influential role in shaping the future of tourism in Nigeria and advancing the country’s ambition of becoming a leading tourism destination in West Africa.