NIHOTOUR regulation tourism personnel approved as FG directs full implementation to boost professionalism and growth in Nigeria’s tourism sector
By Eva Irewole
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy in February finally gave the nod for the immediate and full implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 and the NIHOTOUR Regulations 2025 by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).
Also read: CQ Third Edition Is Out!
The directive was conveyed in a letter dated February 26, 2028, signed by the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, mandating the Director-General of NIHOTOUR, Abisoye Fagade, to proceed with immediate implementation in accordance with the powers conferred on the Institute by its Establishment Act and subsidiary Regulations.
The Honourable Minister emphasized that effective regulation of personnel and operators within the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors is critical to repositioning the industry as a structured, professional, and globally competitive contributor to Nigeria’s economy.
In a statement signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, the Minister was quoted as saying,
“The regulation of personnel and operators within the hospitality, travel and tourism sectors, as specified in the Act, is essential to enhancing professionalism, service quality, consumer protection, and sustainable industry growth.
This regulatory framework establishes minimum standards for skills, ethics, safety, and operations.
It will strengthen public confidence, improve competitiveness, and align the sector with national and international best practices.”
The Minister further reaffirmed that implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 and Regulations 2025 represents a strategic milestone in strengthening institutional governance, standardizing training and certification, ensuring compliance with operational standards, and fostering investor confidence across the tourism value chain.
This development came after the Minister had twice last year restrained NIHOTOUR from provlceeding with its regulatory mandate while consultations were ongoing with stakeholders.
With this fresh directive, however, NIHOTOUR has now been directed to formally communicate this mandate to all departments, stakeholders, operators, and practitioners under its regulatory purview to ensure full and immediate compliance.
Also read: ART X Lagos At 10: A Decade of Defiance
“The Federal Ministry remains committed to building a vibrant, well-regulated, and globally competitive hospitality and tourism industry that reflects Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage while driving sustainable economic growth,” the statement added.
