August 20, (THEWILL) — The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has called for a suspension in the enforcement of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Act.
Musawa gave the directive during a courtesy visit by the newly elected executive of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), led by its President, Dr. Aliyu Badaki, to her office in Abuja.
She explained that the suspension does not mean reforms will not take place, but is meant to allow time for adjustments in areas where there are overlaps and conflicts in the Act.
The minister assured the association that she would engage relevant agencies to ensure that there is no harassment in the enforcement process while the issues are being addressed.
She further noted that grey areas in the law could be resolved by returning to the National Assembly for necessary amendments.
Musawa disclosed that new initiatives for the tourism sector would soon be unveiled, adding that the private sector would play a key role.
She congratulated the FTAN leadership on its election victory and pledged to work closely with them to promote tourism in Nigeria.
Responding to Dr. Badaki’s call for the resuscitation of the Presidential Council on Tourism (PCT), the minister explained that the council has a broad scope and partners across multiple sectors.
She revealed that the ministry was working to streamline its operations and co-opt other ministries, departments, and agencies for faster results. She also noted that efforts were underway to give the President direct ownership of the council to enhance its effectiveness.
Musawa confirmed the ministry’s participation in FTAN’s tourism conference scheduled for November in Abuja but lamented that poor funding remained a major challenge facing the ministry.
Earlier, FTAN President, Dr. Badaki, called for stronger collaboration between the ministry and the federation.
He raised concerns about the enforcement of the NIHOTOUR Act, the harassment of members, and the need to revive the PCT.
He also appealed for funding support to make FTAN more vibrant and advocated Nigeria’s participation in major international exhibitions, including the World Travel Market (London), ITB Berlin, FITUR (Spain), and the Arabian Travel Market (Dubai).
The Chairman of FTAN’s Board of Trustees, Alhaji Munzali Dantata, pledged his support to the ministry and reiterated the call for the revival of the PCT, which he said was more effective during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
Also speaking, FTAN First Deputy President, Susan Akporaye, urged the ministry to involve the federation in international expos to better market Nigeria’s tourism potential.
She noted that the private sector had sustained Nigeria’s presence at global events during the government’s long absence and formally handed over the flag of participation to the ministry through the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA).
Akporaye further appealed to the minister to include FTAN in intervention programmes and SME initiatives to strengthen private sector participation in tourism development.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
