FTAN Seeks NSE Partnership to Tackle Breakaway Groups, Develop Tourism Infrastructure
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has sought the support of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) to address the growing challenge of breakaway groups within the federation and strengthen the development of tourism infrastructure across the country.
Speaking during a visit to the National Engineering Centre in Abuja on Thursday, the President of FTAN, Dr. Badaki Aliyu, said the federation was concerned by increasing attempts by some member associations to establish parallel bodies, describing the trend as a threat to the unity and effectiveness of Nigeria’s umbrella organisation for the hospitality, travel and tourism industry.
Aliyu appealed to the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, to share the Society’s experience in managing similar challenges. He also sought clarification on the structure of the engineering profession, particularly the emergence of parallel groups claiming supervisory roles over engineering institutions.
He said FTAN was looking forward to a lasting partnership with the NSE to strengthen institutional development, improve professional governance and promote collaboration between the engineering and tourism sectors.
Responding, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers welcomed the delegation and commended FTAN for the initiative.
He explained that the NSE, established in 1958, has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading professional organisations, with 95 branches, including international diaspora branches, and 25 professional divisions.
Rabiu dismissed the claims of separatist engineering groups, saying their emergence was the result of legislative issues rather than any weakness in the structure or mandate of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
He also clarified the distinct responsibilities of the NSE and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), stressing that neither organisation has any affiliation with the breakaway groups.
The NSE President reaffirmed the Society’s readiness to collaborate with FTAN in the planning and development of tourism infrastructure, noting that such cooperation would support the growth of the tourism sector and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.
FTAN Seeks NSE Partnership to Tackle Breakaway Groups, Develop Tourism Infrastructure