NIHOTOUR rolls out national framework for hospitality professional recognition

Inauguration of the National Governance Committee

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has inaugurated a National Committee on Industry Professional Bodies Recognition and Governance. This initiative is part of a far-reaching reform programme designed to strengthen professionalism, institutional governance, and stakeholder collaboration across Nigeria's hospitality and tourism industry.

The committee was officially inaugurated at the Institute's headquarters in Abuja by the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIHOTOUR, Aare Abisoye Fagade. He described the move as a strategic milestone in building a more credible, accountable, and globally competitive hospitality sector for the country.

Stronger institutions remain the foundation of every successful profession. The committee has been entrusted with the responsibility of laying a credible governance structure that will command national acceptance and international respect.

— Aare Abisoye Fagade, Director General/CEO, NIHOTOUR

Regulatory Alignment and Strategic Objectives

Director General Fagade explained that the committee would develop a comprehensive national framework for the recognition, regulation, and collaboration of professional bodies operating within the hospitality, tourism, travel, and allied sectors. He noted that because the industry is home to numerous professional associations, a unified governance framework is necessary to promote transparency and ethical conduct.

This assignment aligns with the provisions of the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act, 2022. This legislation empowers the Institute to regulate standards, promote professional development, and strengthen institutional capacity within Nigeria's tourism ecosystem. The committee has been given a three-month timeline to submit practical recommendations that will shape the future governance architecture of these professional bodies.

Committee Mandate and Regional Representation

The committee’s terms of reference include developing objective criteria for recognizing professional associations and recommending governance and accountability standards. It is also tasked with proposing ethical guidelines, strengthening collaboration with government institutions, and eliminating areas of institutional overlap to enhance investor confidence.

The committee comprises respected professionals representing Nigeria's six geopolitical zones to ensure broad regional representation and industry expertise. Members include: - Dr. Muhammad Nasir Yusuf - Suleiman A. Ahmad - Dr. Elizabeth Babagale - Mr. Aniyikaye Adebayo Samuel - Mr. Bashir Abiodun Bello - Ms. Ajibola Olubiyi - Mrs. Uloma Egbuona

The committee would engage extensively with practitioners, regulators, investors, academics and professional associations to ensure its recommendations reflect global best practices while addressing Nigeria's unique industry realities.

— Professor Wasiu A. Babalola, Esq., Chairman, National Committee on Industry Professional Bodies Recognition and Governance

Strengthening the Tourism Economic Pillar

Professor Babalola pledged that the committee would discharge its responsibilities with integrity, objectivity, and transparency. He emphasized that the final recommendations must be inclusive and legally sound to deliver lasting institutional reforms that benefit all stakeholders in the hospitality value chain.

This inauguration is a key component of NIHOTOUR's broader reform agenda to deepen professional standards and improve quality assurance. By positioning the hospitality and tourism industry as a stronger driver of economic diversification, the initiative supports the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda for employment generation and sustainable national development.