Akwa Ibom, SON, FTAN Move Against Pirated Products

Determined to safeguard health of visitors, tourists and investors expected to flood the state during the Yuletide season, the Akwa Ibom State government has signed a partnership agreement with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), to check influx of unwholesome products into the state.

Stressing the need for standardization and certification of tourism products and services in the state, the Commissioner for Tourism, Hon. Orman Esin, explained that the tripartite agreement, which took place at the Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo, the state capital, became necessary in order to ensure holistic human and food security in the state.

Esin, who led the government delegation to the signing ceremony, noted that “the agreement is a further step to enforce compliance to standards by all hotel managements in the state to ensure safety of customers and visitors to the state.”

“The agreement is timely and necessary to enable tourism institutions in Akwa Ibom State to gain global ratings as the state continues to grow its tourism potentials,” he said.

He lauded Governor Emmanuel for approving the grading, classification and standardization exercise for the states’ hospitality and tourism sector.

The director-general of SON, Mallam Farouk Salim, explained that “the agreement will give backing to the grading and certification of hotels and service accommodations using the ISO 17020 and ISO 17021, which are the best global practices used in the world.”

Salim, who was represented by Mr Felix Nyaudoh, acknowledged that the agreement was a legacy project of the state government, disclosing that “it is the first in Nigeria and will ensure improved quality service delivery.”

The chairman of the state Hotels Management and Tourism Board, Mr Ini Akpabio, said the governor was committed to the effective implementation of the policy, adding that his agency “has been mandated to visit some hospitality and tourism facilities in the state for documentation, data capturing and profiling in order to get accurate statistical information.”