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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry reforms, pledging continued support for efforts to improve professional standards, develop skills and attract investment.
The President gave the assurance during a meeting with Aare Abisoye Fagade, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), in Abuja on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
During the meeting, Fagade briefed Tinubu on ongoing sectoral reforms, including the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 to strengthen service quality, accountability and industry competitiveness.
He also presented the President with the Grand Fellow of National Hospitality and Tourism (GFNHT), NIHOTOUR’s highest honour.
Fagade said tourism should be recognised beyond leisure and recreation as a strategic economic sector capable of generating jobs, attracting investment and contributing to national prosperity.
He added that NIHOTOUR’s reforms aim to strengthen professional competence, improve industry standards and establish a credible regulatory environment that supports business growth.
“Our responsibility is to build the professional and institutional foundations that will enable Nigeria’s tourism potential to translate into jobs, investment and sustainable economic growth. The President’s continued support is important to advancing these reforms and positioning the sector for greater national impact,” Fagade said.
The engagement aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s objectives of economic diversification, employment generation and expanding productive non-oil sectors.
NIHOTOUR reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with government and private-sector stakeholders to build a professional, competitive and globally recognised tourism industry.
The statement was signed by Dr Boye Longe, Special Adviser, Communication Strategy, NIHOTOUR.
