The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has called on the federal government to urgently review the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) Act and the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Act, to avoid regulatory conflict.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos to mark one year of the current FTAN administration, the President of the association, Dr. Badaki Aliyu, urged the government to return both Acts to the National Assembly for re-enactment to clearly define the roles of government agencies and industry stakeholders.
He also called on the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy to fast-track the review process, while advising the affected agencies to focus on their original mandates pending the legislative reviews.
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Aliyu said the federation inherited disagreements over the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act, 2022, describing the law as one that has generated unprecedented disputes and litigation within the industry.
“The confusion and disagreement on the NIHOTOUR Act, 2022 was inherited from the past President of FTAN.
The Act and its implementation have caused more harm than good, with numerous litigations and the involvement of fifth columnists pursuing private interests,” he said.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements over the past year, Aliyu said FTAN had focused on addressing structural challenges facing Nigeria’s tourism sector through its Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM), which now serves as the federation’s strategic blueprint.
According to him, the administration developed and secured the adoption of the TTM, began implementing a comprehensive work plan, strengthened the FTAN Secretariat, promoted inclusive engagement with member associations and laid the foundation for the inauguration of zonal structures to strengthen state chapters in its second year.
He reaffirmed FTAN’s commitment to constructive dialogue with all stakeholders and urged the Ministry to expedite the review of the tourism laws in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He disclosed that FTAN has repositioned the Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE) into a regional investment platform aimed at attracting investors, development partners and tourism businesses from across Africa.
“ Abuja will host the COPITOUR Executive Meeting during NTIFE 2026, this will create new opportunities for tourism investment, regional partnerships and cross-border collaboration”.
Aliyu reiterated FTAN’s commitment to advocating policy reforms, strengthening public-private partnerships, promoting tourism investment, increasing the industry’s visibility and implementing the Tourism Transformation Mandate as a roadmap for transforming Nigeria’s tourism sector.
