By Jimoh Babatunde

The President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr Nkereuwem Onung, has called on the Federal Government to disburse grants to all the states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja for tourism development.

While commending the Federal Government’s offering N5 billion grant to Cross River State to revitalise Obudu Mountain Resort, Onung said: “I expect special funding for tourism. Minimum of N37bn for each of the 36 states and Abuja for face-lift for tourism assets in states.”

Nkereuwem Onung, who is also the Special Assistant (SA) on Tourism to Akwa Ibom State Governor, added: “Every state should identify tourism assets in their states for the Federal Government to fund their refurbishment or establishment. The money can be a grant or funds to be deducted from their subvention. The assets in states need a face-lift.”

According to him, this is one of the ways that domestic tourism can be promoted, with most of the tourist attractions across the country in good shape and ready for the market. Also, he called for a focus on branding and marketing Nigeria at both national and international channels.

Onung like most of the stakeholders, is looking forward to having the Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, fully back on the field to take full charge of the sector while also expecting some changes in the ministry for it to be effective and deliver on its mandate.

“I expect the return of the Minister and for her to hit the ground running. I also expect the Federal Government to give the new ministry a take-off grant, separate Permanent Secretary and Director of Finance and Administration among others.”

He is also canvassing for a Tourism Master Plan for the country, noting that the former one has become obsolete and not in tune with the present reality of the country.

“We need a Master Plan for the country’s tourism industry,” he said. While for the private sector, he is calling for unity and closing of ranks among the operators. “For the private sector, we need to unite and speak with one voice,” he said.