Creative Industry

NIHOTOUR Calls For Responsible Hospitality, Tourism Practice to mitigate global climate change

Published

3 years ago

August 5, 2022

Joel Ajayi

Stakeholders at the 2022 Annual Master Lecture Series of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), have been called upon to proffer solutions, modalities and strategies for the mitigation against the unhealthy rise of climatic conditions threatening humanity globally.

The lecture series titled: “Driving Global Climate Action Through Responsible Tourism/Hospitality Business in Nigeria” have different stakeholders in attendant.
In his welcome address at the occasion, Nura Sani Kangiwa, Director General of the Institute, represented by Dr. Taiwo Famogbiyele – Director of Research and Development, stated that the Hospitality and Tourism industry is also contributing to the worsening climatic condition through its operations that do not adhere to guidelines of mitigation procedures against environmental destabilization and pollution.

Kangiwa who noted that the climate changes being experienced at tourism destinations in the country in the form of extreme weather temperature, variable levels of rainfall, rise in sea levels and flooding, drought and desertification and land degradation are the effects of practices that negate the principles of sustainable tourism activities, also called for the discontinuation of the trend forthwith.

In her address at the occasion, the Special Guest of Honour and Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, Distinguished Senator Nora Ladi Daduut called on operators in the hospitality and tourism sector to check some of their environmental unfriendly activities to curb the menace of climatic change bedeviling Nigeria and the global community at large.

Declaring the event opened through her representative Mr Isaac Aliyu, Senator Daduut appealed to the participants to come up with workable documents for the Nigerian tourism and hospitality industry to operate its activities responsibly without undue interference to the eco system as well as safe guard the environment for the future generations.

Also delivering a keynote address at the event, Dr. Ifeoma Adaora Anyanwutaku, Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Information and Culture represented by Mrs. Patricia Narai, Director of Domestic and Eco-Tourism Promotion and Control, stated efforts by the federal government to cut carbon emission to the barest minimum through responsible tourism and hospitality operations as part of the country’s contribution to global efforts at mitigating climatic change.

Dr. Anyanwutaku noted that Nigeria is highly committed to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Goal No 13 that seeks countries to take urgent actions to combat climate change globally and in particular, through enforcing responsible operations of tourism and hospitality practices that are not only environmentally friendly but as well sustainable.

In all, a total presentation of 23 papers were made by Lecturers and Instructors from the nine Campuses of the Institute spread across the six geo-political zones of the country, including Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory with varying sub themes bordering on the main theme of the 2022 Master Lecture Series; Driving Global Climate Action Through Responsible Tourism/Hospitality Business in Nigeria

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Creative Industry

Nigeria, Gambia Pledges Commitment to Improve Tourism Sector

Published

6 days ago

May 6, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering stronger tourism collaboration with the Republic of the Gambia, following a courtesy visit by a four-man delegation from the west African country, led by Hon. Yakuba Darboe, Chairman of the Brikama Area Council, Western Region.

The delegation was received by Mr. Richard Ovie Esewhaye, Director overseeing the Office of the Director General, NTDA, and the Management Staff at the Authority’s headquarters in Abuja.

In his remarks, Hon. Darboe described The Gambia as having a long-standing relationship with Nigeria, often referring to the country as the “37th state of Nigeria” due to the cultural and historical ties between both nations.

He noted that tourism is the backbone of The Gambia’s economy and that the country is in Nigeria to promote its tourism offerings.

He emphasized the importance of the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol, stating that West African countries have much to learn from one another in terms of culture, investment opportunities, and tourism development.

“Nigeria, with its large population, presents a ready market for Gambian tourism, and we urge NTDA to include The Gambia when recommending travel destinations,” he added.

Mr. Esewhaye, in his response, welcomed the delegation and lauded the existing relationship between the NTDA and the Gambia Tourism Board. He recalled past engagements, including meetings with the Gambia Investment Forum, and highlighted the need to move beyond agreements on paper to tangible outcomes.

“Though small in size, The Gambia has made remarkable progress in tourism. Nigeria can learn from their model—particularly in revenue generation, cultural exchange, and capacity building,” he said. He also advocated for the establishment of a technical committee to identify concrete areas of collaboration.

Speaking at the event, Mr. F.O. Anumba, Director of Special Duties, NTDA, raised concerns about the current lack of direct air connectivity between Nigeria and The Gambia. He stressed that establishing direct flights would greatly enhance tourist traffic and improve bilateral tourism relations.

The visit concluded with the presentation of an Outstanding Leadership and Humanitarian Award to Mr. Esewhaye by Hon. Darboe.

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