Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr. Abisoye Fagade, has reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to implementing the NIHOTOUR Act, saying the reforms are designed to professionalise Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry rather than target operators.
Speaking during an interactive session with members of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism in Lagos, Fagade said the ongoing reforms are laying the foundation for a more structured and globally competitive tourism industry built on professional standards, continuous training and effective regulation.
NIHOTOUR Establishes National Register
Fagade described the establishment of Nigeria’s first national register of tourism and hospitality professionals as one of the institute’s biggest achievements since the Act came into force.
According to him, the register is a major step towards sanitising the industry and ensuring that only qualified professionals are recognised.
“Tourism now has a register. Whether we have 76 people on it, or 25 people on it, we have a register. And every other person that is not on that list of register is a quack,” he said.
The Director-General explained that the register fulfils a statutory responsibility assigned to NIHOTOUR by the Act. He added that it also provides a framework for recognising qualified professionals while strengthening public confidence in the industry.
Professional Standards Receive a Boost
Fagade also disclosed that NIHOTOUR has introduced nationally recognised professional grades and honours to elevate the status of practitioners.
He noted that the institute is gradually taking its rightful place as Nigeria’s professional regulatory body for the hospitality and tourism sector.
Training Capacity Triples
Meanwhile, the Director-General said the institute has significantly expanded its training programmes over the past two years.
According to him, annual participation has increased from about 1,000 trainees to approximately 3,000 people across the country. In addition, NIHOTOUR has expanded its training footprint from about nine states to 30 states.
“Our training is going hyper-smooth. We’re able to harmonize all our training, create a new structure, and we are towards the end of creating a tourism academy,” he said.
Tourism Academy Takes Shape
Fagade explained that NIHOTOUR does not intend to establish government-owned schools across Nigeria.
Instead, the institute plans to accredit qualified private training institutions that meet prescribed standards. These institutions will deliver approved hospitality and tourism programmes, while NIHOTOUR focuses on regulation, quality assurance and certification.
He further stated that continuous professional development would become a key requirement for practitioners. Employers, he said, would be expected to ensure that their employees receive regular training to improve competence and service delivery.
Stronger Regulation for the Industry
The Director-General also highlighted efforts to strengthen the industry’s regulatory framework through provisions contained in the NIHOTOUR Act.
According to him, the Act provides for the establishment of a tribunal to resolve disputes, protect employees, oversee expatriate appointments and gradually introduce standards for hotel management and operations.
He added that future regulations would encourage greater professionalism in senior management appointments while ensuring that qualified Nigerians have opportunities to occupy leadership positions within the hospitality industry.
NIHOTOUR Open to Dialogue
Responding to concerns raised by some industry stakeholders over the implementation of the Act, Fagade insisted that NIHOTOUR remains committed to dialogue and consultation.
He stressed that the institute has consistently invited stakeholders to engage in discussions aimed at improving implementation.
“I’m always willing to engage. I’m always willing to have a conversation. I’m a good listener. And all I just need from you is a superior argument. And I’ll go with you,” he said.
Committee to Develop National Framework
Fagade further disclosed that NIHOTOUR recently inaugurated a committee to develop a national framework for the recognition, collaboration and governance of professional bodies in the tourism, hospitality and travel sectors.
He explained that the committee’s assignment is purely advisory. Its responsibility, he said, is to gather industry-wide input before making recommendations to the institute.
Act Must Be Implemented
The Director-General acknowledged that some stakeholders believe the NIHOTOUR Act should be amended.
However, he maintained that while they are free to pursue amendments through the legislative process, the institute has a legal obligation to implement the existing law until any changes are formally enacted.
Vision for Nigeria’s Tourism Industry
Looking ahead, Fagade said his vision is to build a tourism industry driven by professionalism, quality service, environmental sustainability and internationally recognised standards.
He expressed confidence that stronger institutions, better-trained professionals and closer collaboration between government and the private sector would position Nigeria as a more competitive tourism destination.
He also called on tourism practitioners, investors, professional associations and other stakeholders to work together in advancing the industry’s long-term growth.
According to him, sustained engagement, mutual understanding and strict adherence to professional standards will ultimately benefit businesses, employees and visitors while enhancing Nigeria’s reputation as a leading tourism destination..
