The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), the apex umbrella body for the organised private sector in tourism, has written to the Director General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke,

to suspend all activities of the National Technical/Mirror Committee (TC/MC), especially requesting nominations of its members into its Sub-Committees.

Instead, it urged that SON should take urgent and appropriate actions to return to TC/MC on Tourism Related Services to the path sanctity, and respect for the rule of law by carrying along all the stakeholders in its activities to avoid sending the wrong signals to the international community and incurring its wrath.

In the letter signed by its President, Dr Aliyu Ajayi Badaki, FTAN expressed concerns and disappointment regarding the recent circular issued by the National Technical/Mirror Committee (TC/MC) requesting nominations into Sub-Committees.

In the letter titled: Re: Premature call for nominations into the TC/MC on Tourism and Related Services – A Breach of Trust and Procedural Lapses, FTAN urged the DG of SON to suspend all activities regarding these nominations.

FTAN directed all its member associations to suspend any participation or submission of nominations to the TC/MC committees as requested.

FTAN in the letter stated that the Federation will not be part of this committee until: ‘‘The promised follow-up meeting is held; and the leadership of the TC/MC is dissolved and re-constituted to ensure it aligns with the right process and industry-wide confidence.

‘‘And until a member who has made immense contribution and is ready to selflessly volunteer to Standards, in line with the provision of PPDNNS, 5.7.1.1c, is considered to head the committee.’’

The Federation further noted; ‘‘while FTAN does not seek to dictate the internal affairs of SON, “we have a duty, as critical stakeholder, to ensure that the process governing our industry is led by individuals with proven commitment and zero conflict of interest.

‘‘Following formal protests by FTAN, a meeting was held with SON that ended inconclusively, with a clear promise from SON to convene a follow-up meeting to resolve the grievances raised by the Federation.’’

FTAN also maintained that by calling for nominations while the dispute remains officially unresolved, SON is disregarding the agreed-upon process for reconciliation.

Pending the resolution of the subsisting matter and issues raised by it, the Federation stated clearly the following demands on its members to stay clear of SON and TC/MC; ‘‘In the spirit of unity and oneness, the Federation hereby requests that: No Member Association should submit any names or engage with the provided Google Form link or any other communication from the TC/MC;

‘‘That any communication received from SON regarding these nominations should be forwarded to the FTAN Secretariat for documentation; That FTAN maintains a united front to ensure that the private sector is not sidelined or treated as a mere “rubber stamp” in the development of standards that directly affect our businesses.

“The strength of our Federation lies in our ability to speak with one voice. To participate in this process prematurely is to weaken our bargaining power and jeopardize the long-term interests of the Nigerian Tourism Industry”.

The Federation further assured that it remains committed to professional collaboration with SON, provided it is built on mutual respect and the inclusion of the organised private sector as a primary stakeholder.

The letter to the Director General of SON reads in full: “The leadership of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), the apex umbrella body for the organized private sector in tourism, writes to express its profound disappointment regarding the recent circular issued by the National Technical/Mirror Committee (TC/MC) requesting nominations into Sub-Committees.

This action is not only premature but directly contravenes the spirit of our ongoing dialogue and the explicit promise made by SON management to resolve pending grievances before further action.

1. Breach of the Agreement to Reconvene.

As you are aware, our previous meeting regarding the unilateral inauguration of this TC/MC ended with a clear consensus: the meeting was inconclusive. SON promised to convene a follow-up session to address the Federation’s concerns and harmonize representation. By proceeding with nominations, SON has bypassed the reconciliation process, undermining the trust necessary for a public-private partnership.

1. Concerns Regarding Vetting and Professional Standards.

During our last engagement, we highlighted a critical lapse in the committee’s formation: the failure to vet nominees via Curriculum Vitae (CV). It is ironic that an organization dedicated to “Standards” would admit individuals into a high-level Technical Committee without verifying their current expertise.

A case in point is the FTAN representative in the main committee who was admitted without submitting his CV and subsequently nearly embarrassed Nigeria at the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO). This individual opted out at the point of assuming the Chairmanship, citing a lack of interest in SON activities. It took the urgent intervention of the current FTAN President to mandate the current Chairman to bridge that gap. Furthermore, this same representative failed to attend a critical Standard Validation meeting in Benin Republic in the month of July last year, causing Nigeria to lose its voice at that forum. We cannot allow a repeat of such professional negligence.

1. Conflict of Interest and Leadership Integrity.

SON previously stated that care was taken in selecting the TC/MC leadership to avoid conflict of interest. However, we must point out that the purported Chairman occupies multiple roles as a lecturer, practitioner, and operator—a situation that defeats the very purpose of neutrality.

Furthermore, we are concerned about the “interest” driving the current leadership. This same individual has, in the past, refused to participate in TC/MC meetings on the grounds that he cannot make sacrifice since it was a voluntary assignment. It is baffling that an individual who refused to contribute to the committee’s foundation is now positioned to head it.

Our Position:

While FTAN does not seek to dictate the internal affairs of SON, we have a duty, as critical stakeholder, to ensure that the process governing our industry is led by individuals with proven commitment and zero conflict of interest.

Consequently, FTAN has directed all its member associations to suspend any participation or submission of nominations to the TC/MC committees as requested. The Federation will not be part of this committee until: The promised follow-up meeting is held; The leadership of the TC/MC is dissolved and re-constituted to ensure it aligns with the right process and industry-wide confidence;

A member who has made immense contribution and is ready to selflessly volunteer to Standards, in line with the provision of PPDNNS, 5.7.1.1c, is considered to head the committee.

We urge you to suspend all activities regarding these nominations and return to the path of doing the right thing that will along all the stakeholders.