Photo Caption:
R-L: Gideon Taiwo Oludayo, Internal Auditor! Dauud Gbenga, South West Vice President; Dr Aliyu Ajayi Badaki, President; and Mr Kayode Kolade, South West Immediate Vice President, all of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN); … during the media briefing held by FTAN in Lagos.
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, FTAN, has called on the federal government to return both the Acts of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, NTDA and the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism, NIHOTOUR to the National Assembly for re- enactment that will clearly define the roles of the Agencies and stakeholders.
Badaki stated that at the time being, the Agencies should focus on their initial mandate while the process is going on.
The Federation made this known in a communique issued at its press conference held at Presken Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos to commemorate its achievements, challenges and way forward after one year in office.
Speaking during the conference, the President of FTAN, Dr. Aliyu Badaki stated that Federation is always open to constructive engagement and dialogue in resolving the issues with the Acts.
Dr. Badaki also urged the federal government through the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy to fast track this process as a matter of urgency and in line with the Federal Government Renewed Hope Agenda for the nation.
Speaking on the theme: Changing the Narrative: FTAN President emphasised that tackling the Structural Challenges of Nigeria’s Tourism Industry Through the Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM),
the Federation is
marking one year in office with a renewed commitment to reposition tourism as a strategic driver of national economic growth, investment, job creation and regional integration.
While calling for Government–Private Sector Partnership for
Institutionalisation of stronger partnerships that encourage joint planning, coordinated implementation and shared responsibility for tourism development, Badaki observed that the tourism sector has suffered from inadequate collaboration between government institutions and organised private sector operators.
He disclosed that the current
administration successfully rebuilt productive working relationships with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, strengthened collaboration with NTDA and other government agencies, and reinforced FTAN’s recognition as the umbrella body of Nigeria’s organised private tourism sector.
FTAN President maintained that the past year has not been viewed merely as a period for recording achievements, but as an opportunity to honestly diagnose the long-standing structural challenges that have constrained the growth of Nigeria’s tourism industry and begin implementing practical, sustainable solutions through the Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM).
“The administration believes that meaningful transformation begins with acknowledging industry realities, mobilising stakeholders around shared priorities and taking deliberate actions that will outlive any single administration”, he said.
He pointed out that the absence of a unified strategic direction, fragmented stakeholder engagement and weak institutional coordination have limited the effectiveness of the organised private sector in influencing tourism development.
Badaki stressed the need to
strengthen FTAN as a professionally governed institution with a shared strategic vision capable of coordinating the private sector and providing credible leadership for the industry.
He said :” The current administration developed and secured the adoption of the Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM) as the Federation’s strategic blueprint, commenced implementation of a comprehensive work plan, set out strategies to strengthen the State chapters through the inauguration of zones in the second year of its administration, strengthened the Secretariat, and institutionalised more inclusive engagement with member associations”.
He observed that policy inconsistencies, fragmented regulation and inadequate private sector participation have continued to discourage investment and slow industry growth.
He called for the
Promotion of policy harmonisation, strengthening of public-private dialogue and ensure that industry practitioners contribute meaningfully to tourism legislation and implementation.
According to him, “FTAN actively participated in engagements surrounding the implementation of the NIHOTOUR and NTDA Acts, intensified advocacy for policy reforms, and maintained consistent representation of private sector interests in national tourism policy discussions.
The confusion and disagreement on the NIHOTOUR Act, 2022 was inherited from the past President of FTAN. The Act and its implementation has caused more harm than good which the industry has never witnessed before with lots of litigations going on especially with the involvement of the fifth columnists among our members because of their private gains”.
On Regional Integration and International Cooperation, FTAN President
noted that
Nigeria’s tourism industry has not fully leveraged regional institutions to advance tourism cooperation, investment and cross-border partnerships.
Badaki recommended that Nigeria should
reconnect its organised private tourism sector with regional institutions and promote the country as a leader in West African tourism development.
He said FTAN has successfully restored its institutional relationship with the ECOWAS Commission, strengthened collaboration with
Confederation of Private Tourism Industries, COPITOUR and development partners, and expanded engagement with regional tourism organisations.
Badaki pointed out that
Nigeria has yet to fully occupy its natural position as the regional hub for tourism dialogue, investment promotion and private sector collaboration.
He called for the
positioning of Nigeria as the preferred destination for regional tourism meetings, investment forums and policy dialogue.
He disclosed that the administration secured historic ECOWAS support for the COPITOUR Executive Meeting to be hosted in Abuja during NTIFE 2026, providing an unprecedented platform for regional cooperation, investment promotion and cross-border tourism partnerships.
He said Nigeria requires stronger investment platforms capable of attracting investors, development partners, state governments and tourism businesses.
Badaki recommended the
Development of nationally recognised investment platforms that facilitate partnerships, project financing and business opportunities across the tourism value chain.
He added that
the Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) has been repositioned as a broader regional investment platform through expanded stakeholder participation, integration with FTAN’s Annual General Meeting, and the inclusion of the COPITOUR Executive Meeting.
He explained that the “The tourism sector continues to face limited visibility despite its significant contribution to economic diversification and employment.
Badaki also recommended the strengthening of advocacy, strategic communication and stakeholder engagement to improve public awareness and increase confidence in the sector.
He explained that
the administration significantly increased national media engagement, strengthened stakeholder communication, enhanced advocacy campaigns and improved FTAN’s corporate visibility as the recognised voice of Nigeria’s organised private tourism sector.
In his words: “After one year in office, the Federation reaffirms that the true measure of leadership is not the number of activities undertaken but the extent to which systemic barriers are removed and sustainable institutions are built”.
The Federation resolves to: “Continue implementing the Tourism Transformation Mandate as the strategic framework for repositioning Nigeria’s tourism industry.
Sustain constructive engagement with the Federal Government, State Governments and all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Others include: “Intensify advocacy for policy alignment, regulatory reforms and investment-friendly tourism policies.
Strengthen collaboration with regional and international institutions to position Nigeria as the leading tourism hub in West Africa.
Badaki outlined others to also include: “Promote tourism as a major pillar of economic diversification, employment generation, enterprise development and foreign direct investment.
Continue building a stronger, more united and more influential organised private tourism sector capable of driving national transformation”
He concluded that
the first year of his administration has been dedicated to changing the narrative of Nigeria’s tourism industry—from one defined by recurring challenges to one driven by deliberate solutions, strategic partnerships and measurable institutional reforms.
While acknowledging that significant work remains, Badaki emphasised that FTAN is confident that the foundations laid over the past year have repositioned the Federation and the organised private sector to play a more influential role in shaping the future of tourism in Nigeria.
He called on governments at all levels, development partners, investors, industry practitioners and all stakeholders to join in advancing the collective vision of a globally competitive, investment-driven and sustainable tourism industry for Nigeria.
