…Says Exercise Not In Conformity With Law, Directive Of Tourism Minister, Musawa
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has cautioned its members not to take part in the ongoing Competency-Based Interview (CBI) and registration exercise conducted by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).
This is just as the Federation pointed out that the exercise is not in conformity with the law and directive of the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa.
The warning is contained in a letter of advisory by the Federation, which is the umbrella body for all tourism operators and associations in the private sector, to all it member – associations, following an earlier letter on the subject by NIHOTOUR’s Director General, Dr Abisoye Fagade, to some Presidents of the Federation’s member – associations, requesting its to be part of the exercise, which commenced on May 5, 2026, through a letter dated April 30, 2026 and titled, “Letter of Award of Pro-bono Registration by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism for Certification and Licencing.”
However, in the advisory letter dated May 5, 2026, tilted, FTAN advisory on NIHOTOUR Competency-Based Interview and Registration, signed by the National President of FTAN, Dr Aliyu Badaki, the Federation among others stated grounds of its objection to the exercise.
‘‘You will recall that the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy has directed NIHOTOUR to engage relevant stakeholders, particularly the organised private sector, in resolving the numerous concerns and controversies surrounding the provisions and implementation of its enabling law.
‘‘It is, therefore, a matter of concern that NIHOTOUR has proceeded to initiate and implement this registration and certification process without concluding the required stakeholder engagement and consensus-building process as mandated by the Ministry.
‘‘In view of the foregoing, and in the collective interest of protecting the integrity, rights, and unified position of the private sector, all member associations under FTAN are hereby strongly advised not to participate in, or be part of, the ongoing NIHOTOUR registration, certification, and Competency-Based Interview (CBI) exercise,” the letter reads in part.
FTAN, however, gave conditions on which its member- associations can partake in the exercise, as it stated:
FTAN said it can only advised member associations to part of the exercise, “Until all outstanding issues and controversies surrounding the law are fully addressed.
Secondly, after “NIHOTOUR must have complied with the Ministry’s directive to meaningfully engage stakeholders and reach a mutually agreed framework for implementation.’’
Badaki reaffirmed the Federation’s readiness and commitment to partner with the government and its agencies in all matters related to the development and promotion of tourism.
‘‘FTAN remains fully committed to constructive dialogue and collaboration with government institutions in the overall interest of developing a sustainable and globally competitive tourism industry.” FTAN said.
‘‘However, such collaboration must be anchored on inclusiveness, clarity of roles, and respect for the contributions of the organised private sector. We count on your understanding, cooperation, and solidarity in ensuring adherence to this directive
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