Minister of art, culture, tourism and creative economy, Hannatu Musawa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) fulfils its mandate with empathy, fairness and integrity.
Speaking on Wednesday at the ministry’s retreat in Abuja, Musawa noted that although NIHOTOUR is legally empowered to regulate, certify and enforce standards across Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry, its work would remain people-centred and sensitive to the realities of stakeholders.
“Tourism is about people. Our work must reflect compassion and understanding. At the same time, empathy must never be mistaken for weakness. The law must be respected. Standards will be upheld firmly but always with fairness and a deep sense of responsibility to the industry and to our nation,” the minister said.
The director general of NIHOTOUR, Dr Abisoye Fagade, also assured participants that the institute will continue to uphold standards while serving as a genuine partner to stakeholders.
“Our duty is to uphold the law, but also to walk with people on their journey of growth. Every student, every professional, every operator and every entrepreneur in this industry should feel that NIHOTOUR is not just a regulator but a partner in their success. We will enforce standards, yes, but we will do so with empathy so that nobody is left behind as we raise the bar for Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism,” Dr Fagade said.
The remarks were made during discussions on strengthening institutional performance, harmonising sectoral policies and accelerating the professionalisation of Nigeria’s tourism workforce through NIHOTOUR’s Mission 100 agenda.
Musawa encouraged stakeholders from hospitality employers to students, small businesses and international partners; to see NIHOTOUR as a trusted ally in raising service standards, creating jobs and positioning Nigeria as a leading tourism destination in Africa.
Established in 1987, NIHOTOUR is Nigeria’s premier institution for capacity development in hospitality, travel and tourism. It provides training, certification and regulatory oversight to raise professional standards and position the country as a leading destination for tourism and investment.
