By Rofiat Olokuta
Tensions flared on Friday, July 18, as the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), held its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), in Abuja amid a deepening leadership crisis.
What was meant to be a strategic gathering for Nigeria’s tourism sector turned chaotic, as factions clashed over allegations of tenure elongation, constitutional violations, and a flawed electoral process.
The crisis escalated at the Central Business District hotel venue, with some delegates staging a walkout and others calling for an interim committee to manage the association’s affairs.
The dispute revolves around two rival leaders, each claiming legitimate control of FTAN and enjoying backing from different affiliate groups.
Mediation efforts by industry stakeholders reportedly collapsed, as both camps refused to budge.
Insiders say the trouble began during the pre-AGM screening, where concerns were raised about candidate eligibility and procedural lapses.
The controversy has cast doubt on the legitimacy of the AGM’s outcomes, disappointing stakeholders who had hoped the meeting would chart a new course for post-2025 tourism reforms.
Though a few panel sessions on tourism investment and digital innovation held as planned, many attendees left early, citing a lack of confidence in the process.
As of press time, FTAN has yet to issue a statement on the meeting or the leadership deadlock.
