Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN) and the Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at growing human capacity development in the tourism and hospitality (T&H) sector of the country’s economy.

The MoU follows the joint capacity session conducted by the two bodies at the just-concluded 7th edition of the Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) 2024 organized in Abuja, last Thursday, by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN).

The capacity building session was conducted for over 20 people drawn from the six geo-political zones of Nigeria who were trained on Tourism Development and Management with certificates presented to each participant at the end of the session.

According to a statement signed by the National President of ITPN, Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, Wednesday, in Abuja, the MoU is positioned to enhance human resource and manpower development in the Nigerian travel tourism and hospitality sector.

The signing of the MoU, which took place during the week at the ITPN Head Office in Abuja, had Chief Odusanwo, signing on behalf of the institute, while Dr. Lilian C. Managwu, as President of HATMAN, penning her signature on behalf of her association.

ITPN and HATMAN are affiliate member associations of FTAN, the umbrella body of the country’s private sector operators in the tourism and hospitality sector.

Speaking shortly after the signing ceremony, Odusanwo said the MoU signifies the ITPN’s recognition of the need for collaboration in the discharge of its objectives as it relates to professional development and upscaling in the industry through articulation of awards, complementary activities and skills training for the purpose of advancing the growth of the tourism and hospitality industry in Nigeria.

While stating that the MoU is meant to provide the tourism and hospitality sector with quality human resources that will ensure quality service delivery in line with global best practices, Odusanwo posited that the agreement will strengthen the relationship between the Institute, as an awarding body and HATMAN, as a body of professional Managers in the tourism and hospitality sector for the implementation of the country’s Vocational training needs and skill acquisitions at managerial levels for practitioners in the industry.

Also remarking, during the signing ceremony, Dr. Managwu, noted the uniqueness of the MoU as one that will enhance capacity building in Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry, improving the quality of services and experiences offered to tourists and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth as the hallmark of the tourism and hospitality industry everywhere in the world.

Witnessing the event, First National Deputy President of FTAN, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of HATMAN, Alhaji Aliyu Badaki, said it was a welcome development as the partnership will enhance tourism development in Nigeria.

According to Alhaji Badaki, who is also a past president of HATMAN, the MoU is further expected to drive the emergence of new opportunities for economic growth and job creation in the country.

The MoU is expected to foster collaboration between HATMAN and ITPN in promoting the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and resources to advance Nigeria’s tourism sector, it also has among others, embedded in the terms of the MoU, exchange of expertise, execution of joint programmes, engagement in research and development initiatives as well as promotion of industry standards within the travel tourism and hospitality sector of the country.