Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president Afam Osigwe has called for effective regulation of Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sector to ensure it contributes fully to the country’s economic development.
Mr Osigwe made the call on Friday when the director-general of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Abisoye Fagade, visited him at the NBA House in Abuja.
He said proper legal and institutional frameworks were necessary for the sector to drive job creation, youth empowerment and competitiveness.
“Our hospitality and tourism industry must be regulated to yield maximum benefits for Nigeria. Proper standards, accountability and consumer protection are key. The NBA is ready to collaborate with NIHOTOUR in providing the necessary legal backbone to achieve this,” Osigwe said.
In his response, Mr Fagade thanked the NBA for its willingness to collaborate with NIHOTOUR, describing the association as a key stakeholder in strengthening governance across service industries.
“Regulation backed by strong legal principles is vital to ensuring our sector’s growth is both sustainable and globally credible. NIHOTOUR is committed to driving this transformation in line with national tourism policy,” he said.
The meeting marked the beginning of a partnership between NIHOTOUR and the NBA aimed at improving legal collaboration, policy alignment and professional training on tourism law and ethics.
