The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has hosted the leadership and members of the Hotel Owners Forum Abuja (HOFA) at its headquarters in Abuja for a strategic meeting aimed at deepening collaboration, clarifying regulatory roles, and charting a path for collective growth in Nigeria’s hospitality sector.
The HOFA delegation, led by its President, Mr Emeka Ezekwesili, was received by NIHOTOUR’s Director-General, Aare Dr Abisoye Fagade, FIMC, along with senior management of the Institute.
Landmark synergy brews between the Tourism and Aviation industry as NIHOTOUR and @NigeriaCAA forge strategic collaboration. pic.twitter.com/8jUBOylQdn
— NIHOTOUR Nigeria (@NIHOTOUR_NG) September 9, 2025
At the meeting, NIHOTOUR shed light on the provisions of the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act 2022 and the 2025 Regulations, reiterating its mandate as the nation’s apex training, certification, and regulatory body for hospitality and tourism professionals.
Dr Fagade stressed that NIHOTOUR’s focus is on certifying and professionalising the workforce driving the industry, not on registering hotel facilities—an area handled by other agencies.
“Our responsibility is to professionalise the sector by ensuring that those who run hotels, manage guest relations, cook in kitchens, or serve as tour operators are adequately trained, certified, and globally competitive,” Dr Fagade stated.
“This is about people, not just places. Hotels do not run themselves people do. And it is these people we are committed to upskilling, accrediting, and empowering in line with the law.”
Discussions also covered how NIHOTOUR could support HOFA members in Abuja, particularly through capacity building, staff certification, and professional development.
Both organisations agreed to set up a Joint Implementation Committee to follow through on the resolutions reached.
The visit highlighted NIHOTOUR’s commitment to stakeholder engagement, regulatory clarity, and the development of a world-class hospitality and tourism workforce for Nigeria.
