Dare Babalola
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy has instructed the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) to fully enforce the provisions of the 2022 Act and 2025 Regulations with immediate effect.
According to a statement released by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary late Sunday, the directive was conveyed in a letter dated February 26, 2028, signed by Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa.
The letter, addressed to NIHOTOUR’s Director-General, Abisoye Fagade, instructed him to initiate immediate implementation in accordance with the powers conferred on the Institute by its establishing law and related regulations.
The Minister emphasised in the statement that regulating professionals and operators in the hospitality, travel and tourism sectors is crucial to transforming the industry into a structured, professional and globally competitive sector that contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economy.
She reiterated that regulating personnel and operators within the sector will enhance professionalism, improve service delivery, strengthen consumer protection, and support sustainable growth.
She added that the framework sets minimum standards for skills, ethics, safety and operations, while also boosting public confidence and aligning the industry with national and international best practices.
The Ministry further noted that implementing the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 and its accompanying regulations marks a major step toward strengthening institutional governance, standardising training and certification, ensuring compliance with operational standards, and boosting investor confidence across Nigeria’s tourism value chain.
NIHOTOUR has been directed to notify all departments, stakeholders, operators and practitioners within its regulatory scope to ensure immediate compliance with the directive.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to building a vibrant, well-regulated and globally competitive hospitality and tourism industry that showcases Nigeria’s cultural heritage while driving sustainable economic growth.
