FTAN president canvasses institutional roles, professional development to unlock Nigeria’s potential

•Says pathway will drive investment, enterprise growth

President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Dr. Aliyu Ajayi Badaki, has called for a new framework for tourism growth anchored on clear-cut institutional responsibilities, appropriate regulation, and sustained professional development.

Badaki said such framework remains the pathway to attracting investment, encouraging enterprise growth and unlocking the country’s vast tourism potential.

He made the call in Awka, Anambra State, in an address at the ongoing 20th International Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN) tagged: Anambra 2026.

Private sector must have a voice

Speaking before an audience of operators, academia, investors and government officials, Badaki declared that FTAN’s top agenda is to ensure the private sector has a meaningful voice in tourism policy formation and implementation.

“We advocate clear institutional responsibilities, appropriate regulation, professional development, and an enabling environment that encourages investment and enterprise growth,” he stated.

“One of FTAN’s major priorities is ensuring that the organised private sector has a meaningful voice in tourism policy formulation and implementation in Nigeria.

“The private sector drives much of the daily activity within our industry. Our hotels, tour operators, travel agents, restaurants, event managers, and other tourism professionals understand the realities of operating tourism businesses. Their experiences and recommendations must therefore inform the policies and regulations that affect them.”

Regulation, not opposition

On the raging debate over the NTDA Act 2022 and NIHOTOUR Act 2022, Badaki said FTAN’s position is engagement, not confrontation.

“FTAN continues to engage relevant government institutions on issues affecting the industry, including the implementation and harmonization of the NTDA Act 2022 and the NIHOTOUR Act 2022.

“Our position is not opposition to regulation. Rather, we seek policies that promote professionalism, protect standards, and support the sustainable growth of tourism businesses. Tourism policies must be developed with the industry, not merely for the industry.”

“Government must recognise the organised private sector as a strategic partner, not simply a stakeholder to be informed after decisions have been made,” he stated.

No single institution can do it alone

The FTAN president, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of HATMAN, said partnership remains the only viable path.

“No single institution can transform Nigeria’s tourism industry alone. We need government, professional associations, educational institutions, investors, technology providers, and tourism operators working towards common objectives,” he emphasised.

“Through the Tourism Transformation Mandate, FTAN will continue to promote constructive engagement, stronger collaboration among associations, and evidence-based advocacy to ensure that the concerns and recommendations of tourism operators receive appropriate consideration.”

He called on HATMAN and other associations to deepen the collective effort, because “A united, organised, and professionally credible private sector will be better positioned to influence policy and contribute meaningfully to national tourism development.”

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Technology meets hospitality

Commending HATMAN for sustaining the professional platform for 20 years, Badaki said the conference theme – Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Agenda: Implications for Global Transformation in Hospitality and Tourism – is timely.

According to him, “Artificial intelligence and digital technology are changing how people go through the journey of discovering and experiencing destinations. For Nigeria, these developments present opportunities to improve service delivery, reduce operating costs, expand market access, attract investment, and create employment.”

He cautioned, however, that, “Technology alone cannot transform our industry. We need skilled professionals, reliable infrastructure, supportive policies, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.”

He added: “Our task is to combine technological innovation with the warmth of Nigerian hospitality, the richness of our culture, and the professionalism required to compete globally.”

Tourism transformation mandate

Badaki linked the conference theme directly to his Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM).

“This informed my commitment to the Tourism Transformation Mandate – a vision focused on strengthening tourism associations, promoting investment, improving professional standards, enhancing destination visibility, and building stronger partnerships between government and the private sector,” he stated.

He urged HATMAN to prioritise: digital skills development, adoption of affordable technology by SMEs, improved professional standards, and partnerships with educational institutions and technology providers.

“We must prepare our members not merely to adapt to technological change but to use it as a tool for growth and innovation,” he stressed.

Measure us by results

Badaki called for result-oriented action, stating: “As Chairman of the Board of Trustees, I encourage HATMAN to translate the knowledge gained from this conference into practical programmes that benefit its members. Let us equip our professionals with relevant digital skills, support small and medium-sized hospitality businesses, encourage innovation among young people, and strengthen collaboration with FTAN and relevant government agencies.”

“Above all, let us measure our progress by the results we achieve—not merely by the conferences we organise or the policies we announce.”

“Nigeria possesses enormous tourism potential. What we need is the collective commitment to convert that potential into investment, jobs, business growth, and sustainable economic development.”

“Let HATMAN champion professional excellence and digital readiness. Let FTAN strengthen private sector coordination and advocacy. Let government provide an enabling policy environment and also take cognisance of the provisions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) to avoid conflicts.”

“And let all stakeholders work together to build a tourism industry that is inclusive, investment-ready, and globally competitive.”

“The future of Nigerian tourism depends not only on the technology we adopt but also on the policies we implement, the partnerships we build, and the value we create for our people.”