The Federal Government has taken decisive action by suspending all enforcement activities conducted by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR). This significant move comes as authorities prepare to conduct a comprehensive review of the institute's regulatory mandate and operational methods.
Ministerial Intervention Following Industry Complaints
Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, approved the suspension after numerous complaints emerged from hospitality and tourism operators. Industry stakeholders had described NIHOTOUR's enforcement actions as heavy-handed and lacking clarity, creating uncertainty within the sector.
The announcement was formally made through a statement issued by Nneka Anibueze, Special Adviser to the Minister. Minister Musawa emphasized that the suspension became necessary to restore order and protect the rights of business operators while ensuring that all regulatory activities operate strictly within legal boundaries.
Commitment to Transparent Tourism Environment
The Ministry has reaffirmed its dedication to creating a transparent and business-friendly tourism environment, aligning with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. "The Ministry has taken note of widespread complaints regarding NIHOTOUR's recent compliance actions. Until a full policy and operational review is completed, all NIHOTOUR enforcement activities are hereby suspended nationwide," the minister declared.
According to the Ministry's statement, the Federal Government maintains supervisory authority over NIHOTOUR as established by law and reinforced through the institute's gazetted mandate. The government has assured all stakeholders that future regulatory measures will be grounded in proper legal framework, professional standards, and broad consultation with industry players.
Broader Implications and Historical Context
This suspension marks the second time within a year that the Ministry has halted NIHOTOUR's compliance activities. The previous suspension occurred in June 2025 following controversial incidents in Lagos where enforcement teams, accompanied by police personnel, conducted raids on hotels, arrested staff members, and demanded registration fees. These operations attracted significant public criticism and raised legal questions about the extent of NIHOTOUR's powers.
Industry associations, including the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria and the Nigeria Hotel Association, have consistently argued that the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act creates functional overlap with the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority. They maintain that the latter institution already possesses the legal mandate to register hotels and tourism establishments.
The associations have characterized NIHOTOUR's recent enforcement campaigns as excessive and disruptive to business operations, leading to formal petitions and even a Supreme Court inquiry examining whether tourism regulation should fall under federal or state jurisdiction.
With this latest suspension, the Ministry aims to address these fundamental concerns while undertaking a broader assessment of the regulatory framework governing Nigeria's hospitality and tourism sector. A multi-stakeholder engagement is scheduled for the coming weeks to clarify ambiguous areas within the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act and prevent future disputes between regulators and industry operators.
