The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has established a disciplinary tribunal to enforce ethical conduct and regulatory compliance within Nigeria’s tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors. Justice Ishaq Bello, a former Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, has been appointed to chair the newly formed Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal. He was officially sworn in alongside other members by NIHOTOUR’s Director-General, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, in Abuja.
The tribunal’s mandate includes addressing professional misconduct, ensuring adherence to licensing standards, and elevating service quality and professionalism across the industry. Justice Bello is expected to apply his extensive legal and judicial experience to guide the tribunal’s operations effectively.
At the inauguration, the Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa—represented by Mr. Ayodele Adebanjo—praised the initiative, calling it a “bold and necessary” step to reform and enhance the tourism industry.
Fagade noted that the creation of the tribunal aligns with NIHOTOUR’s broader shift from being merely a training institution to becoming a regulatory authority. “This tribunal enables us to uphold competence, ethics, and professionalism. It gives us the legal backing to enforce discipline and protect public trust,” he said.
The tribunal will investigate ethical breaches, licensing violations, and misconduct by both individuals and institutions. It aims to collaborate with both public and private stakeholders to improve service delivery and maintain industry integrity.
Fagade emphasized that this development represents a major step toward institutionalizing accountability in Nigeria’s tourism sector and aligning it with international standards.
Muktar Mohammed, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Tourism, hailed the tribunal as a pivotal reform. He stressed the importance of enforcing training and licensing compliance to ensure the industry's sustainable growth.
He added that the tribunal’s role would not be merely punitive but also corrective. “This platform ensures fairness and reform. It’s about protecting the industry's credibility and fostering a tourism sector that meets global expectations,” Mohammed concluded.