*The Management of Nigeria’s National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism says the initiative is in furtherance of the Institute’s statutory mandate to standardise and regulate professional practices across the country

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has officially commenced a rigorous compliance exercise across the Lagos State of Nigeria.

The Management of NIHOTOUR, in a statement Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Lagos, said the initiative was in furtherance of NIHOTOUR鈥檚 statutory mandate to standardise and regulate professional practices within the industry nationwide.

It also noted the compliance drive focuses on hotels, restaurants, and other establishments within the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors in the state.

NIHOTOUR further explained that the exercise seeks to ensure that “all personnel, practitioners, and operators within the sector are duly certified and registered” with the Institute, in accordance with the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act 2022.

Speaking on the development, Mrs. Mariam Inuwa, Esq., Director of Legal Services at NIHOTOUR, highlighted its legal responsibilities as captured in Section 5(1)(h) of the Act.

She noted the provision of the Act authorises the Institute to regulate the activities of hospitality, travel, and tourism professionals in Nigeria. Mrs. Inuwa further referenced Section 4(o) of the Act, which mandates the certification of all practitioners in order to promote uniform standards, professionalism, and quality service delivery within the industry.

As part of the exercise, several leading establishments were visited, including Marriott Hotel Ikeja GRA, The Sojourner, Sheraton Hotel & Towers Lagos, Radisson Blu, Victoria Island, Black Diamond Hotel, and FourPoints by Sheraton.

The statement indicated that the visits followed the issuance of multiple letters of demand and contravention notices to the affected organisations.

“NIHOTOUR is pleased to announce that Marriott Hotel, The Sojourner, Radisson Blu, Black Diamond, and FourPoints by Sheraton have all commenced the process of registration and certification, in line with regulatory expectations.

“This compliance drive reinforces NIHOTOUR鈥檚 unwavering commitment to repositioning the Nigerian hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors as key pillars of national development under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement noted.

The Management added the Institute would continue to engage stakeholders constructively, while ensuring strict adherence to the laws governing the sector of the Nigerian economy.