The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has waded into the leadership crisis rocking the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), following weeks of disputes and parallel claims to the presidency.
In a decisive move to restore peace, FTAN President, Dr. Aliyu Badaki, announced the constitution of a five-man Dispute Resolution Committee tasked with investigating the root causes of the conflict, hearing submissions from all factions, and facilitating reconciliation within the troubled body.
According to Badaki, the committee’s Terms of Reference include reviewing the ATPN Constitution, mediating between rival leaderships, recommending a fair and legally sustainable resolution, and proposing mechanisms to prevent future leadership disputes.
The reconciliation committee is composed of respected veterans in the tourism sector, nominated by FTAN’s National Executive Council. The members include: Mohamed Sheriff, Uloma Kemabonta, Emmanuel Jeminiwa, Precious Okonji, Akindele John
The intervention comes after the ATPN Governing Council, at a meeting held on September 28, 2025, announced the suspension of its President, Mr. Femi Fadina, over alleged constitutional breaches. The Council further appointed First Deputy President, Mr. Ayo Arokoyo, as Acting President.
Arokoyo, while pledging inclusiveness, was mandated to fast-track the long-delayed inauguration of ATPN Standing Committees. However, the development was strongly rejected by Fadina, who described the suspension as unconstitutional, null, and void.
In a statement, Fadina insisted he remains the duly elected President and legitimate Chairman of the ATPN Governing Council. He argued that a president cannot preside over his own suspension, adding that due process and constitutional order must be respected.
“The financial accounts of the last administration have not been properly handed over to this administration. It is neither an infraction nor misconduct to seek judicial interpretation of our constitution. ATPN cannot be built on illegality,” Fadina said.
He further stressed that any parallel claims to ATPN leadership are “unauthorized, unconstitutional, and lacking legitimacy.”
With FTAN now stepping in, tourism stakeholders are hopeful that the committee’s mediation will restore order and stability in the association, which plays a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s tourism industry.
