Hotel owners in Abuja have appealed to the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism [NIHOTOUR] to remain committed to its founding mandate as a training and capacity-building institution, rather than adding to the mounting financial burdens facing the hospitality industry in Nigeria.
The call was made during a courtesy visit by the Hotel Owners Forum Abuja [HOFA] to the Director-General of NIHOTOUR, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, in Abuja.
Speaking at the meeting, HOFA President, Emeka Ezekwesili, warned that the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022, if not handled with care, could worsen the harsh realities already threatening hotel businesses across the country. He stressed that professionalizing the sector is best achieved through affordable training and continuous skill development, not heavy levies or registration fees, which, he said, has been the call of the Private sector umbrella body in the Tourism and hospitality industry, FTAN.
HOFA’s solicitor, Barr. B.V. Inedia, criticised the issuance of demand notices for N1.3m hotel personnel registration without prior industry consultation. He described it as an undue burden on hoteliers already struggling under Nigeria’s difficult economic conditions. Other members echoed similar concerns, pointing out that the Act could undermine existing qualifications and disrupt employment opportunities in the sector.
In his response, NIHOTOUR DG, Dr. Fagade, assured hoteliers that the Institute’s intention is to set standards, not to generate revenue. He pledged flexibility, including phased registration, negotiated fees, and the creation of a joint NIHOTOUR–HOFA committee for structured dialogue.
Despite these assurances, HOFA members made a passionate plea for NIHOTOUR to prioritize training, which they insist is the only sustainable path to industry growth. Ezekwesili concluded by highlighting the sacrifices hoteliers make in creating jobs and sustaining services, urging NIHOTOUR to stand with the industry during these difficult times.
Source: Hotel Owners Forum of Abuja [HOFA]