Joseph Chibu
A tourism stakeholder Meke Frank has raised concerns over the current direction of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), alleging that the organisation is losing relevance one year after its leadership transition.
The stakeholder, in a critical assessment of the federation’s activities, said the change in leadership had raised expectations of improved visibility, industry empowerment and stronger representation for the tourism sector.
The statement traced FTAN’s history to its founding years under the interim leadership of late Teresa Ezeobi, the first female President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), and its first substantive president, Goddie Ibru.
Frank noted that previous leadership eras recorded varying levels of success, adding that the emergence of Nkereuwem Onung had created hopes for strategic growth, institutional development and stakeholder-driven reforms.
However, the assessment accused the current leadership of focusing more on conflicts and public disagreements than on advancing policies that would strengthen tourism development and improve the sector’s contribution to the economy.
he questioned the federation’s achievements in the last year, arguing that FTAN had not done enough in areas such as tourism advocacy, research, capacity building, industry consultations and engagement with key government institutions.
Frank through a statement also criticized the federation’s position on ongoing tourism reforms, including debates around the regulatory roles of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), urging stakeholders to pursue dialogue and legislative engagement rather than confrontation.
He called on tourism leaders and industry elders to promote unity and constructive engagement, while also urging independent member associations to freely participate in lawful industry meetings and policy discussions.
Frank highlighted challenges affecting the tourism sector, including multiple taxation, regulatory concerns and reported issues affecting hospitality businesses in some parts of the country, stressing the need for stronger advocacy from industry bodies.
He called for a renewed focus on collaboration, professionalism and sectoral development, warning that no association or federation should place internal interests above the broader growth of Nigeria’s tourism industry.