New FTAN President, Badaki, Steps Out …Says Stronger Professional, Self-Reliant FTAN Will Be Our Legacy

The newly elected President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Dr. Aliyu Ajayi Badaki, has unveiled an ambitious vision to reposition Nigeria’s tourism sector and strengthen FTAN into a professional, united, and self-reliant body.

Badaki, a seasoned hotelier and Founder/CEO of Blissy Hospitality Services Limited, emerged as the National President at FTAN’s 28th Annual General Meeting and Election in Abuja, defeating Professor Wasiu Babalola in a keenly contested race. His victory is historic, as he is the first to rise through the ranks—having served as Vice President (FCT Zone), Second Deputy President, and First Deputy President—before clinching the top seat.

Describing his election as “a new dawn for FTAN,” Badaki emphasized that it represented a rejection of money politics and a triumph for genuine industry stakeholders. “The stakeholders spoke in one voice against those who believe leadership depends on money. I contested to contribute my quota to the growth of FTAN and the tourism industry at large,” he said.

With over 30 years of leadership in Nigeria’s hospitality industry, Dr. Badaki brings a rare blend of academic depth and practical experience. His qualifications range from ND and HND in Hotel and Catering Management (Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi), to a Ph.D. in Hospitality and Tourism Management (Imo State University). Through Blissy Hospitality Services, he has managed and revitalized several hotels, including Royal Tropicana Hotels, Edgedrive Hotel, Nugget Hotels, and Kapital Klub & Apartments, delivering remarkable operational turnarounds. His expertise spans recruitment, training, hotel setup, operations management, and consultancy. In tourism advocacy, he has been a consistent player, serving as President of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN), Chair of its Board of Trustees, and a long-standing executive in FTAN.

Acknowledging the acrimony that trailed the electioneering process, Badaki pledged to unite all factions and strengthen weaker member associations. “Election fallouts are normal, but our priority now is to unite FTAN more than ever. We will also encourage mergers among associations with similar goals to strengthen the Federation.” He disclosed that, within the first four months of his administration, FTAN will pursue reconciliation among members, secure a befitting secretariat for the Federation, organize an executive retreat and stakeholder engagement, and launch his flagship Tourism Transformation Movement (TTM) agenda.

Badaki stressed the need for constructive collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and its parastatals—NIHOTOUR and NTDA—to reposition the industry. “We will work harmoniously with the Ministry and its agencies, offering constructive advice or criticism when necessary. Tourism cannot thrive without strong public-private partnerships.” On the ongoing dispute between NIHOTOUR and some operators over its 2022 Establishment Act, he assured that FTAN would work toward an amicable resolution that protects operators’ interests while supporting sectoral development. He also noted that NTDA has maintained a cordial relationship with operators but believes the bond will be further strengthened once a substantive Director-General is appointed.

At the heart of his presidency is the Tourism Transformation Movement (TTM), a reform framework aimed at strengthening FTAN’s structure and promoting Nigerian tourism. Key areas of focus include enhancing FTAN’s visibility across Nigeria and internationally, training and certifying tourism practitioners, advocating policy reforms that unlock Nigeria’s tourism potential, promoting youth and women’s inclusion in tourism leadership, and building financial independence through partnerships, grants, and innovative funding strategies. Badaki insists that TTM is not a slogan but “a call to action, a framework for reform, and a promise of progress.”

Dr. Badaki assured stakeholders that his leadership will be guided by transparency, inclusivity, committee-driven participation, and humility in service. “No voice will be ignored, and no hand will be left idle. We will also nurture the next generation of tourism leaders by providing young professionals with meaningful roles. The future belongs to them.”

Looking ahead, he declared confidently: “The future is bright. We will build a more united, stronger, and self-sustaining Federation. That will be our legacy.