The President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Dr Aliyu Ajayi Badaki, has charged the Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr Abisoye Fagade, to place stronger emphasis on training and capacity building as core drivers for standardisation, professionalism, and increased investor confidence in Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sector.
Badaki also urged Fagade to revive the long-abandoned Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NIHOTOUR and the Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN). According to him, the MoU, signed over 15 years ago but neglected by successive administrations, was originally designed to entrench structured training and capacity development through collaboration.
He gave the charge while speaking as special guest at the one-day Annual Master Lecture Series of NIHOTOUR held recently in Abuja. Badaki commended the DG for sustaining the annual lecture series tradition, describing it as a key platform for strengthening the Institute’s relevance in training and human capital development.
He noted that the theme of the event, “Advancing Knowledge, Strengthening Capacity, and Deepening Professional Standards within Nigeria’s Tourism and Hospitality Ecosystem,” was both timely and foundational, as it aligns directly with the Institute’s mandate.
Badaki pledged FTAN’s commitment to partnering with NIHOTOUR, stating that proper alignment of the lecture theme with the Institute’s mission would significantly improve industry standards, enhance guest satisfaction, and boost Return on Investment (RoI) for operators.
He further advised NIHOTOUR to take the annual lecture series to the six geopolitical zones of the country to broaden knowledge sharing and sector-wide impact.
In his response, Dr Abisoye Fagade appreciated Badaki’s presence, support, and constructive advice, assuring that the Institute would immediately begin work on the recommendations. He directed his management team to commence planning for nationwide lecture series across the six zones.
Fagade reaffirmed NIHOTOUR’s commitment to training, capacity building, standardisation, and industry data development, stressing that these critical areas would receive sustained attention. He also commended the organising team led by Dr Edwin Enenta for successfully hosting the programme within a short timeframe.
