Cynthia Ezegwu
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy on Monday announced the immediate suspension of all enforcement activities conducted by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) across Nigeria.
The suspension, approved by Minister Hannatu Musawa, follows a comprehensive review of recent NIHOTOUR enforcement operations and growing concerns from stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism sector, according to Nneka Anibueze, Special Adviser to the Minister.
“The Ministry has taken note of widespread complaints regarding NIHOTOUR’s recent compliance actions. We are committed to maintaining a stable, transparent and business-friendly tourism environment. Until a full policy and operational review is completed, all NIHOTOUR enforcement activities are hereby suspended nationwide,” Minister Musawa said in a statement.
The Ministry emphasised that it remains the supervising authority over NIHOTOUR, as established by law and reinforced by the Institute’s operational mandate. It assured stakeholders that future regulatory actions will be lawful, professional, and industry-consultative.
A multi-stakeholder engagement will be convened to clarify ambiguities in the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act of 2022 and prevent further disruptions, the statement added.
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NIHOTOUR’s mandate includes setting industry standards, maintaining a register of hospitality workers, and ensuring compliance among hotels, travel agencies, and tourism operators. Its enforcement powers have recently come under scrutiny, with industry groups arguing that its operations overlap with the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA).
In June 2025, Minister Musawa ordered NIHOTOUR to halt enforcement actions following incidents in Lagos where compliance teams, supported by police, reportedly stormed hotels, arrested staff, and demanded registration fees.
The suspension aims to address stakeholder concerns while a broader review of the regulatory framework governing the hospitality and tourism sector is undertaken.