The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has officially transitioned into Nigeria’s primary regulatory body for tourism, hospitality, and travel professionals following the enactment of the NIHOTOUR Act 2023.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, Director General Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade emphasized the institute’s new role in setting and enforcing industry standards.
“NIHOTOUR is no longer just a training institute. We are now empowered to regulate and standardize the sector to ensure professionalism and global competitiveness,” he stated.
The institute will register, certify, and enforce best practices across the industry, working closely with stakeholders and seeking foreign investment to enhance training infrastructure and workforce development.
President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, lauded Dr. Fagade’s leadership while calling for collaboration to avoid regulatory overlaps with the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA).
“Stakeholder engagement is crucial to ensuring the law supports sustainable tourism growth,” he noted.
Dr. Fagade urged investors and industry players to support NIHOTOUR’s mission, reaffirming his commitment to elevating Nigeria’s tourism sector to international standards.
“This is a defining moment for our industry. We must work together to create a world-class tourism ecosystem,” he concluded.
