August 20, (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has pledged to deepen collaboration with the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) in advancing the newly introduced Tourism Transformation Mandate.
This assurance was given when the newly elected FTAN executive council, led by its President, Dr Aliyu Badaki, paid a courtesy visit to the Authority’s headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Dr Badaki commended NTDA for its consistent support and reaffirmed FTAN’s role as the coordinating body of tourism businesses in Nigeria. He recalled the Federation’s contributions during the passage of the NTDA Act, stressing the need for closer partnership to prevent rancour within the sector.
“The Federation’s Tourism Transformation Mandate is designed to reposition the private sector for growth and innovation. Once launched, NTDA will be carried along, and we urge the Authority to be part of it”, he said.
FTAN’s First Deputy President, Mrs Susan Akporiaye, explained that the mandate is aimed at making a lasting impact on the industry. She appealed for stronger collaboration between NTDA’s Tourism Projects and Investment Department and FTAN in mobilising tourism investment. She also called on government to support the Federation in securing a befitting secretariat, describing it as crucial to its national and international engagements.
Also speaking, FTAN Treasurer, Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, praised NTDA for its unwavering support, particularly in making referrals that help to regulate and strengthen the industry.
Responding, the Director overseeing the Office of the Director General, Mr Ovie Richard Esewhaye, congratulated FTAN on its peaceful elections and stressed the urgency of economic diversification. “This is the time for us to diversify away from oil. At NTDA, we are emphasising Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) as a means of funding tourism projects”, he stated.
He encouraged FTAN to submit formal recommendations on the NTDA Act for review, noting that strict compliance with operational mandates of MDAs was essential for sustainable growth.
The Director of Special Duties, NTDA, Mr F.O. Anumba, also commended FTAN, particularly NANTA, for ensuring Nigeria’s representation at the World Travel Market despite financial constraints.
The visit concluded with the decoration of Dr Badaki as a Tourism Ambassador of Nigeria, as well as the exchange of souvenirs between both organisations.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
