FG orders immediate enforcement of NIHOTOUR Act
President Bola Tinubu
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Federal Government has directed the immediate implementation of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Act 2022 and its 2025 Regulations, in a move aimed at strengthening professionalism and global competitiveness in Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sector.
The directive was conveyed by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy in a letter dated February 26, 2028, signed by the Minister, Hannatu Musa Musawa.
Addressed to the Director-General of NIHOTOUR, Abisoye Fagade, the letter instructed the Institute to commence enforcement in line with the powers conferred by its establishing law and accompanying regulations.
According to the Ministry, effective regulation of professionals and operators within the hospitality, travel and tourism industries is critical to repositioning the sector as a structured and globally competitive contributor to the national economy.
The Minister noted that enforcing standards for skills, ethics, safety and operations would enhance service delivery, strengthen consumer protection and promote sustainable growth. She added that the framework is designed to boost public confidence and align Nigeria’s tourism industry with national and international best practices.
The Ministry described the move as a step toward strengthening institutional governance, standardising training and certification, ensuring compliance with operational standards and improving investor confidence across the tourism value chain.
NIHOTOUR has been directed to notify all relevant stakeholders, operators and practitioners within its regulatory scope to ensure immediate compliance.
