Our push for NIHOTOUR, NTDA Acts review is not to fight institutions or personalities — Badaki, FTAN President

Dr. Aliyu Ajayi Badaki, President, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), in this interview with WALE OLAPADE, speaks on why tourism laws and policy must conform to the principles of development, collaboration and industry sustainability for economic growth with credence to global best practices.

FTAN has been vocal about the review of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 and NTDA Act 2023. What exactly is the Federation’s position?

Our position is very clear. FTAN is committed to the development and promotion of Nigerian tourism as the engine room for growing our nation’s economy. The reason we are pushing for a review of the NIHOTOUR and NTDA Acts is not to fight institutions or personalities. It is an altruistic push to ensure we have laws that address the real needs of the industry and align us with global best practice. At the heart of the conversation is this: what do those laws mean for the structure, regulation and development of Nigeria’s tourism industry today? Those are crucial issues with bigger implications for the country, the industry and the operators.

There was a recent commentary by Mr. Frank Meke that seemed to paint FTAN as antagonistic. How do you respond to that?

We respect the right of individuals and media practitioners to express their views. But discourse must be anchored on facts and due process. For the avoidance of doubt, FTAN’s concerns are not personal and should not be reduced to opposition to any individual or institution. To suggest that FTAN is uncomfortable with NIHOTOUR or its Director General, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, simply because we raised questions about policies or processes, is misleading. As the umbrella body for private sector tourism operators, we have both the right and responsibility to seek clarification when government agency actions may affect tourism businesses, practitioners and professional associations.

Some have described FTAN’s advisories and cautions as “boycott threats.” Is that accurate?

Not at all; issuing advisories to our members and the public is standard practice for any responsible professional body. We do it to ensure our members are properly informed about developments that could affect their operations. Questioning government policy is also part of responsible stakeholder engagement. It should not be portrayed as confrontation.

There’s also the issue of the National Committee on Industry Professional Bodies Recognition and Governance chaired by Professor Wasiu Babalola. What’s FTAN’s stance?

We have no personal issue with Professor Babalola. Our interest is in the mandate, composition, procedures and expected outcomes of that committee. These are institutional matters. They deserve careful examination, consultation with stakeholders, and adherence to the legal and regulatory framework. We should address them with facts and transparent engagement, not speculation about motives.

Is it time that FTAN avoid media scrutiny and public dialogue?

No. FTAN has consistently participated in stakeholder meetings, industry events, and engagements with government agencies. But we also believe not every disagreement must be fought in the media. Sometimes dialogue, consultation and institutional engagement are more productive than public exchanges.

What’s the way forward from here?

The tourism industry deserves solutions. But sustainable solutions cannot come from dismissing legitimate concerns or calling stakeholder advocacy “confrontation.” We need mutual respect, consultation, transparency, and a willingness by all parties to listen.FTAN remains committed to constructive engagement with NIHOTOUR, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, NTDA, professional associations, and all stakeholders. Our doors remain open to dialogue. But dialogue must be based on facts, mutual respect and due process — not the personalisation of institutional disagreements.

Final word to industry players?

We are not against NIHOTOUR. We are not against NTDA. We are for laws that work for operators, investors, the country, and the industry. That’s what this advocacy is about.