By Janefrances Chibuzor
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN)has formally written to the Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, demanding the immediate suspension of all activities relating to nominations into the National Technical/Mirror Committee (TC/MC) on Tourism and Related Services.
In the letter, FTAN directed all its member associations nationwide to decline participation and refrain from submitting nominations to the TC/MC sub-committees, warning that the ongoing process could expose Nigeria to international sanctions and reputational damage within global standardisation bodies.
FTAN, the apex umbrella body for the organised private sector in tourism, expressed deep concern over a recent circular issued by the TC/MC calling for nominations, describing the move as premature, procedurally flawed, and a breach of trust.
The Federation urged SON to urgently return the TC/MC on Tourism and Related Services to what it described as the “path of sanctity, respect for due process, and the rule of law,” stressing the need to fully carry along all critical stakeholders to avoid sending wrong signals to the international community.
The letter, signed by FTAN President, Dr. Aliyu Ajayi Badaki, followed an earlier inconclusive meeting between FTAN and SON, at which SON management reportedly promised to convene a follow-up meeting to resolve grievances surrounding the unilateral inauguration of the TC/MC. FTAN stated that proceeding with nominations while the dispute remains unresolved undermines trust and agreed reconciliation processes.
FTAN also raised serious concerns about the vetting process for committee members, noting that nominees were admitted into the TC/MC without submitting curriculum vitae, an omission it described as ironic for an institution dedicated to standards. The Federation cited previous instances where inadequate representation allegedly led to Nigeria losing its voice at key international standardisation meetings.
Further, the Federation questioned the integrity and neutrality of the current TC/MC leadership, alleging conflicts of interest and a lack of demonstrated commitment to voluntary standards work. FTAN maintained that leadership of such a critical committee must inspire industry-wide confidence and be free of personal or professional conflicts.
Pending the resolution of the dispute, FTAN instructed its members not to engage with any TC/MC communication, including online nomination platforms, and to forward all related correspondence from SON to the FTAN Secretariat for documentation.
“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 jeopardise the long-term interests of the Nigerian tourism industry,” the Federation stated.
FTAN reaffirmed its commitment to professional collaboration with SON, provided such engagement is built on mutual respect, due process, and the full inclusion of the organised private sector as a primary stakeholder in the development of tourism-related standards.
