Onung, Others Seek More Input in National Tourism Policy Draft
Nkereuwem Onung, FTAN president (L), and Wale Ojo-Lanre at the tourism event in Lagos, recently
By Justina Uzo
Tourism stakeholders in the country were in Lagos recently to validate Nigeria’s draft National Tourism Policy in order to accelerate the growth of the tourism industry, but some of them took a hard look at the document and said there’s still more work to be done.
There was full representation from the private sector operators at the event hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG). The organisers had said “We are presenting this policy for validation so that the Federal Government can continue from there.” Clearly, the event aims to align Nigeria’s tourism sector with global practices and standards while highlighting the nation’s rich cultural and natural assets. The National Tourism Policy, created in 1990 and last reviewed in 2005, strategically enhance and sustain the tourisn sector. It’s expected to outline strategic initiatives aimed at improving tourist infrastructure, promote sustainable tourism best practices, enhance visitor experience, and ensure the safety of tourists. But the leadership of the organised private sector tourism industry faulted the draft document.
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) Nkereuwem Onung, called for further contributions to the review of the National Policy on Tourism and Hospitality.
Onung said there is dire need for absolute inclusiveness in the review process before delving into the legislation process, pointing out that some tourism associations within FTAN were not carried along. FTAN is the umbrella association of hotels, travel agents, tour operators and other tourism-reliant organisations in the country.
He said this inclusive approach was necessary to gather diverse perspectives and expertise from stakeholders, ensuring a robust and effective policy that would drive Nigeria tourism growth.
“My recommendation to those who put the draft review copy of the National Tourism Policy together is that it is a wise decision to review the policy because the old one is outdated. But we should be given the privilege to make input at FTAN. Adding: “I thank Mrs. Lola Ade-John, former Minister of Tourism, for the job she tried to do in the tourism industry.”
In the same vein, Chairman, Board of Trustees, FTAN, Alhaji Dantata Munzali said collaboration is key to achieving a robust review of the tourism policy. “Each state in the Federation should be carried along as well,” he said.
Another, a member of
Board of Trustees, FTAN, Ikechi Uko, suggested that every association within the tourism and hospitality sub- sector be given the draft copy of the reviewed policy to make their input. He advised that people should be given time about two weeks for that purpose.
“Whatever is done today must be owned by the industry to make the policy work and ensure it is properly implemented,” he said.
Similarly, the
Director-General, Ekiti State Tourism Bureau, Wale Ojo-Lanre highlighted the need to have a functional legal framework for tourism.
“We need fundamental laws that will sustain this industry,” he said.
Thematic Lead, Tourism and Hospitality Industries Thematic Group, NESG, Ngozi Ngoka responded at the event saying that over 215 people were involved in the review process as they had been engaged for four years.
Regardless, she said NESG would go further to engage more stakeholders as advised.
“This is a significant step toward shaping the future of tourism in Nigeria. But with the various interventions, we will look into what we can do to involve more hands,” she said.
The former Minister of Tourism Ade-John said to gave began the review process hinted that the review was made possible with the defunct Tourism Ministry’s collaboration with NESG.
“We engaged stakeholders across every segment of the industry to craft a comprehensive tourism policy. With collaborative efforts, we were able to complete the exercise by the end of May and the draft policy was officially presented to me on August 22, 2024.
Ade-John maintained that National Tourism Policy ” is robust and reflects current trends in international best practices.”
She said: ” I am proud to say that this National Policy on Tourism and Hospitality presented to you was meticulously crafted with input from various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and international experts.”
In her opening address, Culture Minister, Hannatu Musa Musawa had spoke on Nigeria’s untapped tourism potential, showcasing its diverse landscapes, vibrant cultural heritage, and significant economic opportunities. She commended the NESG and private sector partners for their collaborative efforts in advancing the policy, noting that the last update to the tourism policy was in 2005. The revalidated framework seeks to modernize the sector with a focus on sustainability, infrastructure development, and community engagement.
