By Frank Meke

In the past year, the tourism industry has witnessed the emergence of what can best be described as “shadow boxing” experts—individuals more invested in self-validation than in the genuine growth and development of the sector. They strive to appear impactful, yet often lack the depth of thought required to drive meaningful progress.

It is easy to forget that every great journey begins with deliberate steps. Growth is not a competition, nor is it measured by comparison with others; it is ultimately defined by the legacy one builds over time.

Breaking my deliberate silence on industry matters, I was compelled last night to reflect on a report indicating that the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) had advised its member groups to boycott the ongoing industry competency exercise and registration regime spearheaded by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR)—a statutory initiative backed by law. The justification, reportedly, was the absence of adequate stakeholder engagement.

Curious, I examined the advisory to see whether the Federation had articulated the potential short- and long-term benefits of NIHOTOUR’s regulatory initiative. Unfortunately, it appeared more like an exercise in shadow boxing—what Apostle Paul once described as “beating the air.”

The prolonged back-and-forth between the Federation and regulatory authorities reflects a troubling trend: the pursuit of perfection in policy matters through agitation rather than constructive engagement. Even if we assume that the Honourable Minister advised broader stakeholder consultations and that such efforts did not meet the Federation’s expectations, one must ask: where is the wisdom in urging members to reject a legally binding initiative without fully exploring opportunities for a mutually beneficial outcome?

With both NIHOTOUR and the Federation headquartered in Abuja, meaningful engagement should not be difficult. If “Mohammed cannot go to the mountain,” must the mountain not be moved closer to Mohammed?

In her 1929 essay A Room of One’s Own, Virginia Woolf cautioned against the relentless pursuit of external validation. Her words—“No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anybody but yourself”—underscores the importance of thoughtful reflection over performative action. In the context of our industry, they remind us that genuine growth is rooted in dialogue, not noise.

Contrary to claims of exclusion, there is evidence that NIHOTOUR has engaged stakeholders across the sector. Notably, as recently as yesterday, a group of restaurant operators met with the Institute and formalized their support for the initiative, recognizing the need for a credible register of practitioners and organizations within the industry.

Given the sector’s vast diversity and its long-standing lack of structured entry and exit frameworks, regulatory reform should be welcomed as a necessary step forward. It is concerning that, rather than championing such progress, the Federation appears quick to mobilize resistance.

To its credit, the Federal Government—through NIHOTOUR—has made considerable efforts to clarify the legal and operational framework guiding the industry. While no policy is perfect, forward-thinking stakeholders typically embrace reform as a foundation for improvement, contributing constructively to its refinement over time.

The true strength of industry players lies not in issuing threats or engaging in rhetorical battles, but in sustained, sincere dialogue with government. Encouragingly, NIHOTOUR has continued to deepen its relationship with member associations, even appointing respected industry figures to lead reform efforts. What more meaningful form of engagement could there be than entrusting our own to drive change?

It is therefore imperative that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, alongside the National Assembly of Nigeria, provides increased budgetary support to key institutions such as the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority and NIHOTOUR. This should form the cornerstone of advocacy efforts within the sector, rather than resistance to regulatory advancement.

Ironically, the current NIHOTOUR regulatory framework traces its origins to one of the Federation’s own leaders—a former Vice President (North West) who once headed the Institute. It is therefore puzzling that the Federation now appears to be at odds with a legacy shaped, in part, by its own ranks.

One cannot help but wonder: is there more to this conflict than meets the eye?