ACETNEWS
The President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Dr Aliyu Ajayi Badaki, has called for clearly defined institutional responsibilities, effective regulation and professional development to attract investment and unlock Nigeria’s tourism potential.
Badaki said closer collaboration between government and private-sector operators was critical to building a competitive tourism industry capable of generating jobs, stimulating enterprise growth and contributing to national economic development.
He made the call at the 20th International Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN), Anambra 2026, held in Awka.
He stressed that tourism policies must reflect the practical realities of industry operators, including hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, restaurants and event managers.
“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,” he said.
Badaki, who is also Chairman of HATMAN’s Board of Trustees, said FTAN would continue engaging relevant government institutions on issues affecting the industry, including the implementation and harmonisation of the NTDA Act 2022 and NIHOTOUR Act 2022.
He clarified that the private sector was not opposed to regulation but advocated policies that promote professionalism, protect standards and support sustainable business growth.
“Tourism policies must be developed with the industry, not merely for the industry,” he said.
Addressing the conference theme on artificial intelligence and digital transformation in hospitality and tourism, Badaki said technological innovation offered opportunities to improve service delivery, reduce operating costs, expand market access and create employment.
However, he noted that technology alone could not transform the industry without skilled professionals, reliable infrastructure, supportive policies and effective partnerships.
Under his Tourism Transformation Mandate, he said FTAN would pursue stronger collaboration among tourism associations, promote investment, improve professional standards and enhance Nigeria’s destination visibility.
He urged HATMAN to prioritise digital skills development, encourage affordable technology adoption among hospitality businesses and translate knowledge gained at the conference into practical programmes.
“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,” he said.
