Musawa vows review of NTDA and NIHOTOUR Acts after stakeholders warn duplications and levies threaten Nigeria’s tourism growth
Musawa has promised a thorough review of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) Act 2022 and the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Act 2022, following growing backlash from industry stakeholders.
At a recent meeting in Abuja, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, assured operators that her ministry would critically examine the controversial laws and, if necessary, return them to the National Assembly for amendments.
“We will critically examine the NTDA and NIHOTOUR Acts alongside the position papers presented here, and if it becomes necessary, we won’t hesitate to take them back to the National Assembly,” Musawa said, adding that a broader forum will be convened to present a final position.
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), representing 23 private sector groups, argues that the Acts contain duplications, ambiguities, and conflicting provisions that could stifle rather than support the industry.
FTAN President, Dr. Aliyu Badaki, highlighted contradictions in the NTDA Act, which empowers the Authority both to regulate and to operate commercially through tour services and consultancy. “This puts NTDA in direct competition with the private sector it is supposed to regulate,” he argued.
Other contentious issues include the proposed one percent hotel room tax, overlapping roles with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, and provisions that contradict the Supreme Court’s 2013 ruling on federal versus state powers in tourism regulation.
On NIHOTOUR, Badaki criticized the dual role of the institute as both a training provider and regulator. He described its authority to re-certify professionals as “an aberration” that undermines accredited universities and professional associations. He also condemned its punitive tribunal provisions as unconstitutional.
Echoing some concerns, Mr. Ovie Richard Esewhaye, Director overseeing the NTDA, agreed that NIHOTOUR’s mandate should be limited to human capital development.
He suggested an MoU between both institutions to define roles and the creation of a technical committee to resolve overlaps. He also urged a downward review of NIHOTOUR’s fees, which many practitioners say are burdensome.
Nigeria’s tourism sector has long been described as overregulated but under-supported. Stakeholders argue that without a clear and supportive framework, the industry cannot fulfill its potential as a driver of jobs, GDP growth, and national branding.
Musawa struck a conciliatory note, saying her ministry would not shy away from reforms: “The Ministry will not shy away from ensuring these Acts serve both government and the private sector in meaningful ways.”
For now, industry players are watching closely to see if this promised review will finally bring clarity—or if tourism will remain stuck in a cycle of policy confusion.
Business3 years ago
