The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, FTAN, held its governing Council meeting in the federal capital territory, Abuja on the 22nd of February, 2024. Attendants at this meeting comprise Board members, Executives, Presidents, and Secretaries of over 23 various trade groups registered under the federation.
Speaking at the meeting, the President, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, who is also the SSA to the government of Akwa Ibom State on tourism Matters, re-echoed the fact that the Federation does not compete with its member associations. He said that associations have the opportunity to express themselves and while doing that, they should take into cognizance that transparency is key to dealing with the umbrella body. Trust, he said, is key to building stronger relationships. In his words, ‘” We can only be better together”
He gave the assurance that there will be a lot of engagement with the government and its MDAs in the industry. He therefore called on the National Institute of Hospitality and Tour, NIHOTOUR, and the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority, NTDA, to, as a matter of urgency, call for a Stakeholders meeting to kick-start the implementation of the two tourism laws that were passed last year.
He recounted that it was resolved at a meeting with the Director Generals of the two MDAs under the tourism industry in 2023 that before the implementation of the new laws, there should be a stakeholder meeting where both government and the private sector practitioners come together to discuss the smooth implementation of the laws. A new year has started and the stakeholders hope to receive the invitation to this all-important meeting.
He appreciated all stakeholders and associations for the calmness and unity experienced in the industry in recent times. He affirmed the federation’s readiness to engage other ministries and MDAs in ensuring the growth and development of the tourism industry which will also boost the businesses of the private sector.
Mr. Nkereuwem Onung commended the DG of the Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, NIHOTOUR, for organizing the first major tourism event after the Honourable Minister’s resumption in office this year 2024 with the launch of the mobile catering training center.
He also commented on the visits of various groups to the office of the Honourable Minister, stating that each group is believed to have suggested different ways of developing the industry under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John. The President advised that such ideas should be critically evaluated to ensure that the right decisions are taken.
Mr. Nkereuwem stated that the leadership of FTAN is putting measures in place to strengthen its association members to ensure that all trade groups are developed simultaneously and everyone is included.
He therefore announced that the federation will be organizing a retreat for members later in April. The purpose of this retreat will be to critically look at its structures at the State, Zonal, and National levels to adopt an operational template that will enhance and strengthen the effectiveness of the federation to its members.
