The director general and chief executive officer of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Abisoye Fagade, has commended the Federal Government for lifting the suspension on regulatory activities in Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sector.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Fagade described the decision as a step towards revitalising the industry and promoting inclusive sector development.
He spoke at the National Hospitality and Tourism Stakeholders Forum organised by the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority in Abuja. The forum, themed “Shaping the Future of Nigerian Tourism Together,” brought together stakeholders from the public and private sectors to discuss collaboration, standards and sustainable growth.
Fagade said the directive by the minister of art, culture, tourism and creative economy, Hannatu Musawa, alongside a concessionary framework offering discounts and flexible onboarding pathways, shows a deliberate effort to increase participation and compliance in the sector.
He added that the move aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which focuses on economic diversification, job creation and developing sectors such as tourism.
“This is not merely a regulatory adjustment. It is a forward-thinking strategy to reposition tourism as a key driver of national development. It demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and global competitiveness,” he stated.
Fagade also highlighted NIHOTOUR’s role as both a regulatory and developmental institution, with a focus on building a skilled and certified workforce.
He disclosed that the institute is deploying the National Registration Portal, a digital platform aimed at formalising the industry through registration, certification and verification of practitioners and institutions.
“The National Registration Portal is critical to addressing existing gaps in certification and compliance. It will improve service standards, strengthen industry credibility, and unlock economic opportunities for practitioners across the country,” he added.
He commended the Director General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority for convening the forum, describing it as timely and important for sector-wide collaboration.
Fagade noted that many tourism workers in Nigeria still operate outside formal regulatory structures, which affects service delivery and global competitiveness.
He urged private operators, industry groups and state governments to take advantage of the concessionary framework and participate in ongoing reforms.
Reaffirming NIHOTOUR’s position, he said regulation should be seen as a tool for progress.
“We are not here to restrict progress, but to enable it. We are not here to exclude, but to integrate. A well-regulated industry is one that attracts investment, creates jobs, and earns global recognition,” he said.
Fagade called for continued collaboration among stakeholders to build a resilient and competitive tourism sector that reflects Nigeria’s cultural heritage and economic potential.
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, an agency under the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, said it remains committed to improving standards, capacity development and regulation in the industry.
