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The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Aare Dr. Abisoye Fagade, has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to lift the suspension on regulatory activities in Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sector, describing it as a major step towards revitalising the industry and strengthening inclusive growth.
Fagade made the remarks at the National Hospitality and Tourism Stakeholders Forum organised by the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) in Abuja under the theme, “Shaping the Future of Nigerian Tourism Together.” The forum brought together public and private sector players to discuss collaboration, improved standards, and sustainable development of the sector.
He said the directive by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, alongside the introduction of a concessionary framework offering discounted fees and flexible onboarding for operators, reflects a clear commitment by the Federal Government to deepen participation and improve compliance across the industry.
According to him, the move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic diversification, job creation, and the development of high-impact sectors such as tourism.
“This is more than a regulatory decision. It is a deliberate strategy to reposition tourism as a key driver of national development. It shows a strong commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and global competitiveness,” Fagade said.
He stressed that NIHOTOUR’s role goes beyond regulation, noting that the Institute is also focused on capacity development and building a skilled, certified workforce capable of competing globally.
Fagade revealed that the Institute is currently rolling out the National Registration Portal (NRP), a digital platform designed to formalise the sector through the registration, certification, and verification of tourism practitioners and institutions across the country.
He said the portal would help close long-standing gaps in certification and compliance while improving service standards and strengthening the credibility of the industry.
“The National Registration Portal is a major step towards improving professionalism in the sector. It will also create new economic opportunities for practitioners nationwide,” he said.
He also commended the leadership of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority for convening the stakeholders forum, describing it as a timely intervention that will help align stakeholders and drive collective action across the industry.
Fagade noted that a large number of tourism and hospitality operators in Nigeria still operate outside formal regulatory structures, a situation he said continues to affect service delivery and the country’s global competitiveness.
He therefore urged private sector operators, industry associations, and state governments to take advantage of the Federal Government’s concessionary framework and support the ongoing reform process.
Reaffirming NIHOTOUR’s commitment to industry growth, he said regulation should be seen as a tool for progress rather than a barrier.
“We are not here to restrict the industry but to strengthen it. A properly regulated tourism sector will attract more investment, create more jobs, and improve Nigeria’s global reputation,” he said.
He called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders, stressing that strong partnerships will be key to building a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism sector that reflects Nigeria’s cultural heritage and economic potential.
