August 21, (THEWILL) — The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, has restated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) to deliver on its mandate with empathy, fairness and strict adherence to the law.
Speaking at the ongoing ministerial retreat in Abuja, Musawa noted that NIHOTOUR is legally empowered to regulate, certify, and enforce standards across Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sector, but stressed that the agency would remain people-centred in carrying out its functions.
“Tourism is about people, and our work must reflect compassion and understanding. Empathy must never be mistaken for weakness.
“The law will be respected, and standards will be upheld firmly, but always with fairness and responsibility to the industry and our nation,” the minister said.
On his part, NIHOTOUR’s Director General, Aare Dr. Abisoye Fagade, pledged that the institute would continue to engage stakeholders as partners in growth while enforcing compliance.
“Our duty is to uphold the law but also to walk with people on their journey of growth. Every student, professional, operator and entrepreneur should feel that NIHOTOUR is not just a regulator but a partner in their success.
“We will enforce standards, yes, but with empathy, ensuring no one is left behind as we raise the bar for Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism,” Fagade stated.
Deliberations at the retreat focused on institutional performance, harmonisation of sectoral policies, and accelerating the professionalisation of Nigeria’s tourism workforce under NIHOTOUR’s Mission 100 agenda.
Musawa further urged stakeholders, including employers, students, small businesses and international partners, to view NIHOTOUR as a trusted ally in raising service standards, creating jobs, and positioning Nigeria as a leading tourism destination in Africa.
