Dr. Abisoye Fagade, NIHOTOUR DG, promises more engagements as stakeholders kick against the tourism law.

Representative of the Honourable Minister of Culture, Arts , Tourism and Creative Economy, Mrs. Dorathy, DG NIHOTOUR, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, FTAN President, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung and a NIHOTOUR Director Legal, Mrs. Maria Inuwa.

The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, formally opened the stakeholder engagement by extending a warm welcome to all attendees. He expressed particular gratitude to the President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) for persuading him to relocate the event to a more enhanced facilities of Hawthorn Suites. Dr. Fagade affirmed that this decision signifies the collaborative spirit that will define NIHOTOUR’s partnership with FTAN under his leadership, emphasizing their shared commitment to advancing the sector’s development.  

Representatives from FTAN member associations were invited to deliver goodwill messages, during which they unanimously praised the DG’s initiative to convene the forum, recognizing it as a strategic step toward fostering sectoral progress. The event also drew participation from private industry practitioners, underscoring its inclusive approach.  

The Hon. Minister, iher message, nemphasized the importance of collaboration in the hospitality and tourism industries. She highlighted the significance of engaging with stakeholders for sustainable growth and responsible tourism. The Minister discussed the role of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism in driving innovation and informing policy. She called for continued collaboration between the public and private sectors to strengthen the country's position as a top destination for travelers. The Minister expressed optimism for the future, stating that recovery and growth depend on working together to create a profitable, responsible, and enriching tourism sector.

In his address, FTAN President Mr. Nkereuwem Onung acknowledged the contributions of the immediate past NIHOTOUR Director-General, Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, in securing legislative recognition for the institute. He noted, however, that the enactment of this law under the previous administration lacked substantive consultation with private sector stakeholders. Mr. Onung elaborated on concerns raised by FTAN’s technical committee, particularly regarding NIHOTOUR’s tripartite mandate as a professional body, training institution, and regulatory authority—a structure perceived by private entities as creating conflicting commercial interests. Despite prior attempts to resolve these issues through dialogue, he noted that constructive engagement had proven challenging.  

Commending Dr. Fagade’s proactive outreach, Mr. Onung reiterated the private sector’s commitment to collaborative governance and sustainable sectoral growth.  

A consultant affiliated with NIHOTOUR’s leadership team outlined strategic priorities for partnership with FTAN, emphasizing the imperative to address historical neglect through data-driven interventions. Key initiatives include the development of a comprehensive industry database, currently underway through a national registration exercise.  

During discussions, stakeholders raised concerns about NIHOTOUR’s perceived divergence from its core mandate of capacity building, particularly within the hospitality subsector, where training gaps have exacerbated operational challenges.  

In response, Dr. Fagade clarified that NIHOTOUR’s expanded legislative mandate now encompasses broader developmental roles beyond training. He urged private sector stakeholders to support forthcoming policy frameworks and assured participants of sustained engagement, noting that this forum marked the inaugural session in a series of consultations.  

Concluding the event, the DG thanked Mr. Onung for his partnership and pledged to collaborate closely with FTAN to address systemic challenges that have long hindered the industry’s potential. He reaffirmed NIHOTOUR’s dedication to inclusive dialogue and evidence-based reforms in alignment with national development objectives.