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Tourism

FTAN Petitions Minister for Overhaul of NIHOTOUR Establishment Act

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has urged the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy to review and overhaul the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Establishment Act 2022, citing its conflicting and ambiguous provisions. The petition, dated June 16, 2025, highlights the Act's blurring of lines between professional bodies, regulatory bodies, and academic institutions, leading to institutional overlap and jurisdictional confusion. FTAN warns that if left unchecked, the current structure will stifle the tourism and hospitality sector, jeopardizing efforts to develop the industry into a sustainable contributor to Nigeria's economy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NIHOTOUR Establishment Act 2022 is causing widespread confusion and crisis within the Nigerian tourism and hospitality industry due to its ambiguous and conflicting provisions.
  • The Act assigns NIHOTOUR roles that are typically exclusive to either a professional body, a regulatory body, or an academic institution, blurring the lines between these distinct functions.
  • Key sections of the Act, such as Sections 4 and 5, outline functions and powers that reflect the characteristics of a professional body, regulatory body, and academic institution.
  • The Act permits NIHOTOUR to determine the standard of knowledge and skills for professionals, maintain a register of practitioners, and discipline and welfare of 'members of the Institute' under the Public Service Rules, 2008.
  • FTAN cited sections 28 to 31, which detail registration processes for hospitality, travel, and tourism professionals, reinforcing the Act's intent to position NIHOTOUR as a professional body.
  • The Act overburdens NIHOTOUR with conflicting responsibilities, making it inherently impossible for the agency to function effectively.
  • FTAN urges the minister to act swiftly to save the hospitality and tourism industry from chaos and imminent collapse.
  • The only viable path forward is to revisit the Act comprehensively, limiting NIHOTOUR's function to a single, clearly defined role - either as a regulator, a professional body, or an academic institution - but not all three.

Statistics:

  • The NIHOTOUR Establishment Act 2022 was signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari on February 14, 2022.
  • The Act has resulted in institutional overlap and jurisdictional confusion within the Nigerian tourism and hospitality industry.
  • The Act's provisions are leading to conflict within the industry, with ongoing implementation attempts by NIHOTOUR's Director General, Dr Abisoye Fagade.

Sources:

  • [Letter dated June 16, 2025, from FTAN President, Mr Nkereuwem Onung, to Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa]

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