The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Aare Abisoye Fagade has announced the appointment the immediate past President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, as the new Chairman of the Governing Board of the Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSSCN).

Fagade had, while speaking at the 50^th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA)in Ibadan, Oyo State,  announced the dissolution of the first Governing Board of HTSSCN, citing the need for a more effective, inclusive, and nationally aligned framework to drive skills development in the industry.

According to him, the decision followed a comprehensive review of the Council’s operations and is aimed at repositioning it to better respond to evolving sector demands, strengthen coordination among stakeholders, and align with Nigeria’s broader economic priorities.

He stressed that the reform is critical to building a unified and industry-led system that can deliver globally competitive standards, noting that the reconstituted board will serve as the engine room for competency, certification, and workforce transformation across the hospitality and tourism value chain.

The NIHOTOUR boss then announced the constitution of a new governing structure for the Council, which includes a Board of Trustees and a Board of Directors, alongside institutional representation from key regulatory and industry bodies, subject to approvals.

He said: “I am honoured to announce the constitution of the second Governing Board of the Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSSCN) Board of Trustees (BOT)L Mr. Onung Nkereukem – Chairman, Alhaji Idris Abdullahi, Member, Mrs. Toyin Dada, Member. The Board of Directors will have  Mr. Yinka Folami as Chairman. With institutional representation (subject to approvals) from: HATMAN, NBTE, NHA, APCN, SON, NATOP, EMAN”.

Fagade framed the overhaul as part of a wider push under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to formalise and standardise the tourism sector, ensuring it contributes meaningfully to economic growth, job creation, and national development.

Turning to the occasion, he commended NANTA for five decades of shaping Nigeria’s travel ecosystem, describing the association as a critical link between the country and the global tourism market.

He reaffirmed NIHOTOUR’s commitment to strengthening industry standards through initiatives such as its registration and certification platform, aimed at improving professionalism and global competitiveness among operators.