… urges stronger public-private partnership
The former Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has waded into the crisis brewing in the Nigerian tourism sector, suing for dialogue and peaceful resolution even as he stressed the need for a stronger private-public partnership in the development of the sector.
It would be recalled that recently, in pursuit of the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Act 2022, as it concerns registration and standardisation of operations and personnel in the sector, NIHOTOUR’s compliance team visited some hotels in Lagos and arrested a number of their personnel for failure to register and pay the required fees.
This was resisted by some of the personnel, leading to arrest and detention of some of them and as well as the brutalisation of one of the personnel of one of the hotels visited.
It is on record that prior to this incident, the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), which is the umbrella body for private sector tourism operators, had expressed opposition to the Act, on the ground that its contravenes the laws of the land. While the Hotels Owners and Managers Association of Lagos (HOMAL), went to court to challenge the Act, with the case still subsisting in court.
Reacting to this development that has caused disquiet and distress within the sector, Runsewe, who previously served as Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation – NTDC – (now Nigeria Tourism Development Authority – NTDA), emphasised the importance of constructive engagement and encouraged stakeholders to embrace dialogue rather than division.
Abisoye Fagada
Noting that his wealth of experience and strong ties across the sector position him to help resolve the current crisis, particularly the discontent voiced by private sector stakeholders.
“I have received calls from several industry players urging me to step in. At first, I hesitated. But upon deeper reflection on the delicate balance between government policy and private sector interests, I realised it was necessary to ac,’’ he disclosed.
Adding, ‘‘During my years in public service, I cultivated meaningful relationships with industry leaders, and I believe now is the time to harness those connections for the good of our tourism industry.
“We are all Nigerians. We must view this situation from a collective standpoint. The government exists to serve the people, and the private sector must also be deliberate and strategic in expressing concerns. It is vital to avoid actions that may inadvertently undermine the industry. I am already engaging with key actors to find a peaceful and lasting solution.”
On the issue of regulatory oversight, Runsewe acknowledged the importance of standards and governance in aligning with international best practices. However, he stressed that any regulatory initiative must be rooted in consultation, mutual respect, and collaboration.
He commended those who reached out to him, appreciating their trust in his leadership despite no longer holding a government position. As a committed patriot and respected elder in the industry, Runsewe affirmed his readiness to help broker peace and urged all parties to cease the public confrontation surrounding NIHOTOUR’s proposed regulatory issues.
