The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has thrown its weight behind the regulation of Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry, describing it as critical to unlocking one of the nation’s most underutilized economic assets.
NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, made the declaration in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr. Abisoye Fagade.
The Learned Silk said the industry’s growth depends on strong legal and institutional frameworks that ensure professionalism, accountability, and consumer protection.
His words: “Our hospitality and tourism industry must be properly regulated to yield maximum benefits for Nigeria.
“The NBA is ready to collaborate with NIHOTOUR to provide the legal backbone that will drive sustainable development and investor confidence in the sector.”
Osigwe commended NIHOTOUR’s ongoing reforms under Dr. Fagade’s leadership, describing them as timely and essential to positioning tourism as a major pillar for job creation, youth empowerment, and global competitiveness.
He, however, stressed that the lack of clear legal structures has slowed the sector’s progress, adding that the NBA would work with stakeholders to develop policies and training modules on tourism law, licensing, and dispute resolution.
In his response, Dr. Fagade expressed appreciation for the NBA’s commitment, noting that regulation grounded in sound legal principles is vital to making Nigeria’s tourism industry globally credible and sustainable.
“NIHOTOUR is committed to driving this transformation in line with national tourism policy and international best practices.
“Strong legal support will help ensure compliance, improve service quality, and inspire investor confidence,” he remarked.
The partnership between NIHOTOUR and the NBA will focus on aligning policies, strengthening institutional governance, and providing professional training on tourism law and ethics.
Both bodies also plan to review existing regulations and develop new frameworks to formalize and professionalize the industry.
Established in 1987, NIHOTOUR is Nigeria’s premier training, certification, and regulatory institution for hospitality and tourism professionals. Its collaboration with the NBA marks a significant milestone in advancing a well-structured, legally backed tourism ecosystem for national growth.
