Culture and Tourism
NIHOTOUR In Public-Private Partnership To Strengthen Its IATA Training Capacity
Joel Ajayi
In the efforts to strengthen its training capacity in International Air Transport Association (IATA) certification for personnel in the Nigerian Travel Tourism industry, the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), has engaged the services of a private IATA Authorized Training Centre consultancy firm, Empire Travel Services Limited for collaboration.
Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa, Director General of the Institute who disclosed this during the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize the partnership said if the Institute must up it game as a center of excellence in training, partnership to achieve high-quality service delivery is highly desirous
In a statement issued by the Director, Media & Public Relations Ahmed Mohammed Sule stated that the partnership will further improve on student enrolment, continued professional development for training and capacity building, facilitate interaction between the Institute and the IATA awarding body in Montreal, Canada among other benefits.
Managing Director of Empire Travel Services Limited, Alhaji Ahmed Ojuolape said the partnership will provide efficient and quality service delivery on the part of the Institute to deliver on its core mandate of personnel training in Travel Tourism and Hospitality tapping from the immense in industry experience of the private sector.
Alhaji Ojuolape said his firm is resolutely committed to ensuring that the partnership between the Institute and his firm yields the desired positive results to prove the efficacy and efficiency of a public-private partnership that the present administration yearns for to deliver good services for the benefits of the people.
With this collaborative partnership, NIHOTOUR is once again poised to comfortably maintain the enviable position it has occupied for some years now as the top IATA/UFTAA Training Centre in the entire African continent in fulfillment of the vision and mission of the present Director General, Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa.
Creative Industry
NTDA, ITPN Sign Pact to Enhance Professionalism in Tourism Sector
Joel Ajayi
In a strategic move to strengthen professionalism and build capacity within Nigeria’s tourism industry, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has forged a partnership with the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN).
During a courtesy visit to the Authority, the ITPN delegation led by Mrs. Fatimah Obadaki, Chairperson, FCT Chapter emphasized the need for structured collaboration aimed at equipping tourism personnel with industry-relevant skills and enhancing service standards across the sector.
She highlighted that the visit was rooted in the institute’s mission to foster partnerships that promote high standards of service delivery and human capital development in the Nigerian tourism and hospitality sectors.
In his remarks, Dr. Olaleye Taiwo Famogbiyole, FITPN, Registrar of the ITPN, FCT Chapter, emphasized the pressing need to bridge the skill gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements. “The knowledge our graduates bring into the industry is no longer sufficient. We must adopt industry-recognized training programs to align university education with practical industry expectations. As an awarding body within the hospitality, travel, and allied trades ecosystem, we see a vital need to professionalize the sector,” Dr. Famogbiyole stated.
He further called for collaboration with NTDA in training staff in tour operations, tour guiding services and destination management. He proposed that NTDA staff be enrolled as members of the institute and benefit from its tailored training programs.
Dr. Famogbiyole also commended NTDA for its unwavering support of the National Tourism and Transportation Summit (NTTS), one of ITPN’s flagship initiatives. “NTDA has been a consistent and invaluable partner in the success of the NTTS over the years,” he noted.
In response, Mr. Ovie Esewhaye, Director overseeing the Office of the Director General of NTDA, welcomed the ITPN team and praised their resilience and commitment to professionalizing the sector despite prevailing economic challenges.
“At NTDA, we are repositioned for effective performance through strategic collaborations. We are open to partnerships that enhance the capabilities of our workforce. I pledge that all NTDA directors will be enrolled as members of the Institute and we will ensure our staff benefit from the various training programs offered by ITPN,” Mr. Esewhaye assured.
He further revealed that NTDA is undergoing a digital transformation and working towards ISO certifications to improve operational efficiency. “We want to be a benchmark for tourism standards in Africa,” he said.
Mr. Esewhaye reaffirmed NTDA’s commitment to the National Tourism and Transportation Summit and expressed willingness to participate in its upcoming edition. He also accepted ITPN’s invitation to participate in the Abuja Tourism Roundtable scheduled for July 2025, emphasizing, “As long as it has to do with promoting tourism, we will be there.”
The visit marked a significant step in strengthening institutional ties aimed at enhancing professionalism and capacity within Nigeria’s tourism sector.
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