NIHOTOUR DG: Lifting of Suspension to Revitalize Nigeria's Hospitality and Tourism Sector
The Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Abisoye Fagade, has declared that the Federal Government's decision to lift the suspension on regulatory activities within Nigeria's hospitality and tourism sector represents a significant and transformative step toward revitalizing the industry and advancing inclusive sector development. This move is poised to inject new energy into a critical component of the national economy, fostering growth and sustainability.
Strategic Move at National Stakeholders' Forum
Fagade made these remarks while addressing participants at the national hospitality and tourism stakeholders' forum, which was organized by the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) in Abuja. The forum, themed 'Shaping the Future of Nigerian Tourism Together,' convened key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to deliberate on strategies for strengthening collaboration, improving standards, and driving sustainable progress within the industry.
According to a statement released by NIHOTOUR, the forum served as a pivotal platform for aligning efforts and fostering collective action. Fagade emphasized that the directive to lift the suspension will effectively reposition tourism as a key driver of the national economy, unlocking its vast potential for job creation and economic diversification.
Alignment with Government Policies and Concessionary Framework
Fagade further explained that this regulatory adjustment is not merely an administrative change but a forward-thinking strategy deeply aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. This agenda prioritizes economic diversification, job creation, and the development of high-impact sectors such as tourism.
He highlighted the role of the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, in introducing a concessionary framework that offers discounts and flexible onboarding pathways. This framework reflects a deliberate and strategic effort to deepen industry participation, enhance compliance, and make regulatory processes more accessible to stakeholders across the board.
"This is not merely a regulatory adjustment. It is a forward-thinking strategy to reposition tourism as a key driver of national development," Fagade stated. "It demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and global competitiveness."
NIHOTOUR's Dual Mandate and Digital Transformation
Fagade also underscored NIHOTOUR's dual mandate as both a regulatory and developmental institution. He emphasized the institute's focus on building a skilled, certified, and globally competitive workforce to support the sector's growth and international standing.
In line with this, NIHOTOUR is currently deploying the National Registration Portal (NRP), a transformative digital platform designed to formalize the industry. The NRP facilitates the registration, certification, and verification of tourism practitioners and institutions nationwide, addressing the challenge of informal operations within the workforce.
Addressing Informal Workforce and Call for Collaboration
The NIHOTOUR DG observed that a significant portion of Nigeria's tourism workforce currently operates outside formal regulatory structures, which negatively impacts service delivery and international competitiveness. He expressed regret over this persistent challenge and called on key stakeholders—including private sector operators, industry associations, and State governments—to take full advantage of the Federal Government's concessionary framework.
Fagade urged active participation in the ongoing reform process, reaffirming NIHOTOUR's commitment to enabling progress. He stressed that regulation should be viewed as a tool for advancement rather than a limitation, fostering an environment where innovation and compliance go hand in hand.
Building a Resilient and Competitive Tourism Sector
In conclusion, Fagade called for sustained collaboration among all stakeholders as the foundation for building a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism sector. He emphasized that such efforts are essential to fully reflect Nigeria's rich cultural heritage and vast economic potential, ensuring that the hospitality and tourism industry becomes a cornerstone of national development and prosperity.
