Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment towards driving tourism development in the country through public and private sector partnerships.
Representative of Mrs Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Culture, Arts , Tourism and Creative Economy, and Director, International Tourism, Mrs. Dorothy Duruaku; Director General, NIHOTOUR, Dr. Abisoye Fagade! FTAN President, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung and a NIHOTOUR Director, Legal, Mrs. Maria Inuwa during the institute’s recently concluded Stakeholders’ Engagement, which held at the Hawthorn Suites, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, last Wednesday.
Making the commitment, Wednesday, during the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Stakeholders Engagement organised in Abuja, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Mrs Hannatu Musawa added that the partnerships would also include local communities in the tourism development process.
The Minister, represented at the event by the Director International Tourism Mrs. Dorothy Duruaku, described the NIHOTOUR organised consultative forum as a testament to the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of the hospitality and tourism industries.
While commending NIHOTOUR for the event, and for the opportunity to engage with stakeholders, leaders and key players in one of the most dynamic and vital sectors of Nigeria’s economy, the Minister noted that engaging with stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector was essential for fostering collaboration and ensuring sustainable growth.
“Tourism and hospitality impact various industries, from transportation and local businesses to cultural heritage and the environment.
“By engaging with key stakeholders, including government bodies, local communities, and private enterprises, we can address emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities more effectively. This collective effort enables the development of comprehensive strategies that are inclusive, adaptable, and responsive to the evolving needs of both the industry and the people it serves. Moreover, stakeholders’ engagement is crucial for promoting sustainability and responsible tourism,” she said.
According to Musawa, it is only through continuous dialogue and cooperation that operators and regulators alike ‘can foster innovation, improve service quality, and enhance the overall visitor experience.’
“Ultimately, an engaged stakeholder network strengthens the resilience of the tourism and hospitality sector, helping it thrive in the face of global changes and ensuring that its economic, social, and environmental impact remains positive,” she said.
Speaking on the controversial NIHOTOUR Act 2022, the Minister explained that this engagement aligns with that legal instrument which, according to her, ‘provides a solid legal framework for its operations, objectives, and long-term sustainability.
‘”The Act formalizes the Institute’s role in regulating, training, and promoting excellence within the tourism and hospitality sector.
“It grants NIHOTOUR the authority to develop industry standards, offer accredited educational programs, and ensure that professionals in the sector are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge. Additionally, the Act strengthens the Institute’s ability to collaborate with key stakeholders, attract funding, and influence policy, ultimately contributing to the growth and competitiveness of the national tourism and hospitality industry on both regional and global scales.
“The global pandemic reshaped the landscape of tourism in ways that were unprecedented. But today, we stand here with renewed hope, stronger partnerships, and the collective resolve to build back better. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, Together, we can strengthen our nation’s position as a top destination for both domestic and international travellers.
“Our journey towards recovery, sustainability, and growth depends on collaboration. It is essential that we, as stakeholders, work hand-in-hand, government, private sector, and communities alike—to foster an environment where tourism can flourish. The role of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism is invaluable in providing the knowledge, skills, and research that drive innovation and inform policy.
“The discussion is an opportunity for us to share ideas, explore emerging trends, and address challenges we may face in the coming years, with focus on ‘How do we adapt to changing travel patterns? How can we create more inclusive and sustainable tourism experiences? And how do we ensure that local communities benefit from the wealth of opportunities that tourism can bring?
“I strongly believe that through dialogue, strategic planning, and shared responsibility, we can create a tourism sector that is not only profitable but also responsible, accessible, and enriching for all.”
The Minister, therefore, urged the stakeholders to use the engagement as a stepping stone toward a brighter, more resilient, and prosperous future for tourism and hospitality in Nigeria.
Speaking earlier, Director General of Nihotour Dr. Abisoye Fagade described the meeting as the beginning of a turning point for tourism, hospitality and travel in Nigeria.
Dr Fagade who noted that the language of Nigeria and Nigerians in the area of tourism ‘is not encouraging,’ however, stressed that the engagement ‘served as a wake up call.
‘”NIHOTOUR is willing to continue with existing partnerships with the private sector and we promise to bring a standard into the Industry which is one of his Agency’s functions, as we call for more collaborations and cooperation to move the Industry forward,” he said.
The NIHOTOUR boss informed the stakeholders that there will be another engagement with operators in Lagos State soon for more consultations.
Remarking at the event, President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, (FTAN), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung appealed to industry operators to cooperate with NIHOTOUR, even in the face of legislative issues contained in its recently assented Act.
According to Mr Onung, the meeting was necessary so that FTAN members will have opportunity to make their positions known on the law and to also address some issues in the law that could cause conflicts.
Onung noted that the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 ‘is overburdened with a potpourri of objectives and functions.'”NIHOTOUR, by reason of the Act is now a training institute, regulator and a professional body,” the FTAN President stated, even as he urged operators to cooperate with NIHOTOUR as it further seeks to fine-tune the legal document.
“The new DG has the law as his working document irrespective of the above inconsistencies and is asking the industry to cooperate with him. He (Fagade) is willing to collaborate and consult further,” Onung added.
