The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria [FTAN] has called on the federal government to urgently ensure that the newly created Federal Ministry of Tourism receives the necessary funding announced at its inception. This funding is crucial for the ministry to fulfill its intended purpose.
Nkereuwem Onung, President of FTAN, made this call during the one-year anniversary of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s administration. He warned that without an office, the release of startup funds, and the appointment of a permanent secretary, the ministry would be unable to achieve its goals.
In addition to these challenges, Onung highlighted that the two parastatals under the ministry, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority [NTDA] and the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism [NIHOTOUR], should step up their game, operate within their mandate and collaborate more with the private sector to advance the Industry.
Onung stressed that the ministry, under the leadership of Lola Ade-John, must take decisive action to correct the persistent issues within these agencies in line with the government’s vision. He pointed out that the leadership of the two agencies seems to have a different perspective on managing the industry, which is not creating the synergy that the sector requires to generate the expected growth.
He did not mince words: “The government is not doing what ought to be done with tourism, what should be done, and what could be done due to the lack of coordination at the federal level, which is most disappointing,” he lamented.
FTAN calls on President Tinubu and the minister to urgently constitute boards for the tourism agencies. Without a board, the two agencies have been working at cross purposes, which is detrimental to the tourism sector.
“With a board, the tourism industry can regain focus, establish genuine working relationships with the private sector, and hold the agencies accountable.
Regarding Nigeria’s participation in international events, Onung insisted that while such outings may not yield immediate benefits, they are crucial for making Nigeria’s presence felt, allowing the private sector to leverage these opportunities.
“When Nigeria participates, everyone benefits. But when only officials attend as observers, it only benefits them to the detriment of the entire industry,” Onung noted.
He called on practitioners to prioritize the industry’s and the country’s interests, emphasising that if the sector fails, there will be no industry for them to channel their efforts into.
Source: Press Release
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