The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has formally inaugurated the Hospitality, Tourism & Travel Tribunal (HTTT), a body established to regulate and adjudicate disputes within Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism and travel sectors.
The inauguration is in line with Section 40 of the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act, which provides for the creation of a tribunal to oversee matters related to regulation, licensing, discipline and standards in the industry.
Appointed as chairman of the newly formed tribunal is Justice Ishaq Bello, retired Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory. Known for his track record in judicial service and reform, Justice Bello is expected to bring integrity and authority to the role.
NIHOTOUR director general Abisoye Fagade described the development as a pivotal moment for the industry.
“This marks a new chapter for the tourism industry in Nigeria. With the establishment of the Tribunal, we are institutionalizing a culture of due process and accountability. Justice Bello and the other members of the HTTT represent the very best of legal and industry professionalism,” he said.
Other members of the tribunal include former Lagos commissioner for tourism, arts and culture, Steve Ayorinde; president of the national association of Nigeria Travel Agencies and Tourism Practitioners (NANTOP), Bolaji Mustapha; and John Enemona of the Chartered Institute of Hospitality, Tourism and Management of America (CIHTMA), Abuja.
The HTTT is designed to function as an independent forum for fair hearing and redress, dealing with issues ranging from professional misconduct and consumer complaints to licensing breaches and institutional disputes.
With this move, NIHOTOUR says it is strengthening accountability and professionalism in the sector while aligning Nigeria’s tourism regulatory practices with global standards.
