By Ibrahim Ramalan
A tourism expert, Mr. Frank Meke who is one of the active contributors on tourism development to the Nigeria’s TheCable.ng, has called on the Federal Government to appoint the best brain to man the affairs of the apex tourism regulatory body, National Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), saying that an industry insider is always a good idea.
In his popular column at ThCable.ng, Meke recently said: “My take is that the job at NTDC is not for the Sally’s in spirit, soul and body. NTDC is not a tourism learners Institute but a serious strategic front post to which the very best brains must be sought and empowered.
“I can understand why all the reptiles and millipedes now jostle for the NTDC job. And in moving ahead, let us count our losses and brace to rebuild NTDC into a formidable and great driver of tourism, particularly at this the time when Nigeria is at recession.
“Who President Buhari brings on board, possibly will point to the direction to which Nigeria will either rebound or play a second fiddle to other tourism nations in Africa,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the Staff and Management of the Corporation have applauded the Federal Government for finding one of their own worthy to serve in acting capacity as the Director General of the Corporation, following the exit of the former Director General Mrs Sally Mbanefo.
This was expressed in the inaugural meeting of the Ag. Director General in the person of Sir Boniface Eboka with the staff which took place at the Tourism Village hall in the Corporations Headquarters, Abuja recently,
In their own submissions, the staff were unanimous in stating that the acting capacity will serve as a window of opportunity for them to thoroughly discuss and streamline the focus of the Apex Tourism Agency which has suffered backward spirals in the past years.
While thanking God for the opportunity to serve, the Acting Director General solicited for the full and unwavering cooperation and support of the staff in order to move the Corporation forward, emphasizing that the desired changes can only come about when there is unity.
He said: “I want to encourage every staff to be united in projecting the overall interest of the Corporation. Until we are united NTDC cannot move forward.”
Also during the session, Members of Staff of the Corporation bared their minds on the current state of the tourism industry and the way forward. The following are the critical issues needing spirited actions:
“Amendment of the NTDC Act to ensure tourism inclusiveness in view of the multiplicity of standards operating in the country.
“Strengthening the revenue generating potential of the Corporation through its subsidiary the National Travel Bureau and other avenues that are within the Corporations area of mandate.
“Capacity building of officers through training and re-training of the workforce on a regular basis.
“Hosting of NTDC based Stakeholders engagement to discuss current treads in the tourism industry.
“Authentication of Tourism Sites and Festivals for better marketing and promotion of the countries potentials and Making zonal officers more viable.”
Finally, the Ag. Director-General thanked the staff for their contributions and called on them to put all hands on deck to ensure that NTDC moves along with the plans of the Federal Government to help in the diversification of the economy.
