I read with interest the recent article by Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, which provocatively asked whether Abidoye Fagade, the Director-General of NIHOTOUR, should be “stoned” for the institute’s change of role. While the rhetorical device is understood, the larger issue at hand demands a more responsible and fact-based discussion.
As someone who was present at stakeholder meetings where the restructuring of NIHOTOUR was deliberated, I find it necessary to correct certain misconceptions and highlight the true nature of the issue. It is imperative that we, as tourism professionals, engage in discussions that are well-informed and constructive rather than reactionary and misdirected.
The Law Preceded the Man
Let it be stated unequivocally: Abidoye Fagade did not orchestrate the transformation of NIHOTOUR’s role. The law that redefined NIHOTOUR’s function from a training institution to a regulatory body was signed in 2023, long before he assumed office. The legislative process behind this law dates as far back as 2016. It went through various phases of discussion, resistance, modification, and eventual passage. If there was ever a time to raise concerns, it was then—not now.
The tourism industry must acknowledge that policies affecting our sector do not materialize overnight. They evolve through prolonged legislative engagements, and their outcomes are determined by stakeholder participation—or lack thereof. Blaming Fagade for executing an already established legal mandate is not just unfair but also a distraction from the real issue: Why didn’t industry stakeholders take a united stand earlier?
Where Was the Outrage When It Mattered?
One of the critical lessons from this episode is the tourism industry’s reactive nature. It is not enough for stakeholders to protest when policies come into effect; they must engage proactively in shaping these policies. The current outcry over NIHOTOUR’s role change reflects a failure of early intervention. Where was the unified opposition when this bill was being debated? Where was the engagement before it became law?
Unfortunately, many industry leaders prioritize personal relationships and short-term gains over long-term sustainability. They celebrate appointments and policies that suit their immediate interests but cry foul when the tide turns. If the bill was opposed in 2016 and still passed in 2023, does that not suggest that the opposition was not as effective or as unified as it needed to be?
Two Logical Paths Forward
For those who are dissatisfied with NIHOTOUR’s new mandate, there are only two constructive ways forward:
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Legal Redress – If there is a firm belief that this new law is detrimental to the tourism industry, it should be challenged in court. The judiciary exists to interpret laws and provide relief when necessary.
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Legislative Advocacy – If stakeholders truly want to reverse or amend this decision, they must take a structured approach by lobbying the National Assembly for a review of the law. This requires unity, strategic engagement, and a well-articulated argument that proves the need for modification.
Time to Shift from Blame to Action
The tourism industry in Nigeria cannot afford to be constantly caught in cycles of blame and outrage. If stakeholders are genuinely concerned about the sector’s future, they must engage in policymaking at the right time, with the right strategies. NIHOTOUR’s new role is now a legal reality, and blaming Fagade for its implementation is neither productive nor accurate.
Instead of misdirected anger, let us channel our energy into structured, informed, and forward-thinking actions. Tourism is too critical to Nigeria’s economy for its professionals to engage in after-the-fact lamentations. We must be proactive, not reactive, if we are to shape the future of the industry.
The law is in place. The challenge now is not who to blame, but how to move forward intelligently and effectively. That is where our focus should be.
