Ejiro Efenudu
Dr. Badaki Aliyu has emerged as the new National President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), following his victory over Professor Wasiu Babalola at the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election held in Abuja.
Aliyu, who served as the Federation’s First Deputy President prior to his election, pledged to usher in a new era for Nigerian tourism through a comprehensive initiative known as the Tourism Transformation Movement (TTM). The initiative, according to him, is designed to reposition FTAN as a key driver of tourism development in Nigeria and improve collaboration across the public and private sectors.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Aliyu expressed deep appreciation for the confidence reposed in him by members of the Federation. “Together, we are about to begin a new chapter. Let it be known that tourism in Nigeria has found a new voice, a new vision, and a renewed vigour,” he declared.
Aliyu noted that the TTM is not just a campaign slogan but a strategic roadmap that aims to reinvigorate Nigeria’s tourism industry, enhance professionalism within the sector, and foster sustainable development.
Pillars of the Tourism Transformation Movement (TTM)
He outlined the core objectives of the Tourism Transformation Movement to include:
Strengthening FTAN’s Institutional Framework – Revamping the Federation’s internal structures and enhancing its visibility nationwide.
Capacity Building and Certification – Implementing regular training programs and certification opportunities for tourism practitioners to ensure industry standards.
Public-Private Partnerships – Facilitating stronger collaboration between private sector operators and government agencies to remove existing bottlenecks to growth.
Policy Advocacy and Reform – Engaging stakeholders to drive key reforms aimed at unlocking the full potential of tourism in Nigeria.
Youth and Women Inclusion – Creating avenues for greater participation of young people and women in tourism leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Dr. Aliyu, who is also the Managing Director/CEO of Blissy Hospitality and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN), emphasized the need for unity among all stakeholders following the election.
“Politicking is over, the contest is over. The time for work has arrived. Let us now come together, not as rivals but as compatriots — not just as business owners, but as ambassadors of tourism development,” he urged.
He paid tribute to his predecessors and assured members of his commitment to building on the achievements of past administrations. “We will continue from where our forebears stopped, and we will raise the bar for the tourism industry in Nigeria.”
The incoming team, under Dr. Aliyu’s leadership, is expected to prioritize a people-driven, policy-focused, and innovation-led approach to tourism growth across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
FTAN is set to formally launch the detailed Tourism Transformation Movement blueprint in the coming days, with stakeholders across both government and private sectors expected to play active roles in its implementation.
