The President, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung has received the report from the Tourism Laws Committee he set up few weeks ago to review and analyze the tourism laws of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) at the FTAN National Secretariat on Thursday.
The two laws were enacted by the former president, General Mohammadu Buhari (Rtd), for the regulation of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry in Nigeria.
The committee headed by Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, the President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agents (NANTA) was mandated to critically analysis and make recommendations to foster a robust synergy between the government and the private sector.
Presenting the report at the Federation’s National Secretariat in Abuja, the Chairperson of the committee, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye thanked the president, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung on behalf of the team, for giving them the opportunity to contribute their quota to the industry.
The President, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung receiving the report from the Chairperson, Tourism Laws Review Committee, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye as FTAN1st Deputy President, Alhaji Badaki Aliyu looks on.
Akporiaye said the report will serve as a valuable resource and guide in the tourism industry in Nigeria because the committee delved into the intricacies of the repealed Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation Act, examining its provisions and objectives, and juxtaposed them with the provisions and objectives of the newly enacted Nigeria Tourism Development Authority Act, 2022.
“The committee carefully reviewed the two laws and also assessed the significance of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Establishment Act in shaping the future of the industry”, Akporiaye concluded.
The FTAN President, Mr. Onung thanked the chairperson and her team for their contributions to the Federation and the entire industry and submission of the report within the time frame given.
Onung emphasized that FTAN is not against the two laws and that the committee was only tasked to identify the areas of conflict so as to engage the Director Generals of the MDAs involved and agree on how it will help the entire industry.
In her remarks, the Secretary of the Committee, Mrs. Justina Ovat said the report is rooted in meticulous research, robust analysis, and consultations with critical stakeholders across the industry. She disclosed that the committee recognized the immense responsibility placed upon them to evaluate the impact of these legal reforms on the tourism ecosystem.
“The primary objective of the report is to provide the government with comments, inputs, analysis, and recommendations of the repealed and enacted laws, offering insights into the benefits, opportunities for both the private sector and government cooperation, the areas of growth through collaboration, potential conflicts, the role of relevant private sector agencies, and strategic recommendations to enhance the country’s position in promoting tourism”, Ovat said.
Shortly after the presentation, the 1st Deputy President, FTAN, Alhaji Badaki Aliyu thanked the committee for a job well done.
“This report is good for the industry as it will go a long way in creating an interface between the private sector and government which will result in a robust relationship”, Aliyu said.
Other members of the committee are Prof Wasiu Babalola, Dr. Belinda Nwosu, Dr. Alex Nwuba, Prince Ayo Arokoyo, Mr. Samson Aturu, Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, and Dr. Kabir Ali.
