The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), through the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, has announced the immediate suspension of all nationwide enforcement activities conducted by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).
This was disclosed in a statement by Nneka Anibueze, the Special Adviser to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, stating that the decision was approved by the minister, following a comprehensive review of recent NIHOTOUR enforcement activities and the concerns expressed by stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism sector.
The ministry stated that the suspension was vital to restoring “order, protect the rights of operators, and ensure that regulatory activities are conducted within the limits of the law and in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
According to the statement, the suspension includes but is not limited to “field inspections and compliance raids; demand notices, fines, and regulatory sanctions; licensing or registration enforcement; and any activity by NIHOTOUR officials involving police or third-party security operatives.”
The ministry reiterated it is the supervising authority over NIHOTOUR, as established by law, and “a multi-stakeholder engagement will be convened to clarify grey areas in the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act and prevent future disruptions.”