Abuja, Nigeria, August 19, 2025
The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq., has assured the tourism private sector of her commitment to building consensus and fostering dialogue in addressing overlapping mandates within the industry.

She gave this assurance while receiving the newly elected leadership of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), led by its President, Dr. Aliyu Badaki, during a courtesy visit to her office in Abuja. Dr. Badaki had raised concerns about the enforcement of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Act and appealed for the Honourable Minister’s intervention.

In her response, Honourable Minister Musawa encouraged patience and constructive engagement, noting that the Ministry would work with relevant agencies to ensure that reforms are carried out smoothly and without unnecessary disruption. She explained that any grey areas in the NIHOTOUR Act could be clarified through consultations and, where necessary, engagement with the National Assembly.

“I want to assure you that there will be no undue pressure or harassment of industry players while these matters are being addressed,” she said. “Our goal is to create a stable environment for tourism to thrive, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. We are already working on exciting initiatives that will reposition the industry, and I am confident that FTAN and the private sector will find them beneficial.”

The Honourable Minister congratulated Dr. Badaki and the new FTAN executive on their election, pledging to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry and the Federation in promoting Nigeria’s tourism potential at both national and international levels.

On the request for the resuscitation of the Presidential Council on Tourism (PCT), Honourable Minister Musawa explained that the Ministry is reviewing the council’s broad structure to streamline its work, co-opt other critical partners, and ensure greater efficiency. She noted that the repositioned PCT would reflect the ownership and leadership of President Tinubu, giving it stronger political backing and a clearer direction.

She also confirmed the Ministry’s participation in FTAN’s upcoming tourism conference scheduled for November in Abuja, while acknowledging ongoing challenges such as funding constraints.

Earlier, FTAN President, Dr. Badaki, had called for a closer working relationship with the Ministry, appealed for stronger financial and structural support for the Federation, and highlighted the importance of Nigeria’s participation in international tourism expos such as WTM London, ITB Berlin, FITUR Madrid, and ATM Dubai.

Other FTAN leaders including the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Alhaji Munzali Dantata, and the First Deputy President, Mrs. Susan Akporaye, reaffirmed their support for the Ministry. They emphasized the importance of private sector inclusion in international expos and intervention programmes, noting that the Federation had sustained Nigeria’s presence in global tourism markets during the country’s absence.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment from both the Ministry and FTAN to work hand in hand in advancing Nigeria’s tourism sector, promoting cultural heritage, and unlocking opportunities for economic empowerment under the Renewed Hope Agenda.