By Segun Adewale, Bauchi
The Nigeria Hotel Association (NHA) has urged its members cross the country to ignore anyone trying to collect money under the pretext of registration for personnel training by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) via the directive of the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Economy.
The call was made during a Press briefing by His Highness Eze Dr. Patrick C. Anyanwu, National President, Nigeria Hotel Association (NHA), held on Tuesday at the Conference Hall of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi.
“I speak to you today on behalf of the Nigeria Hotel Association (NHA), the umbrella body representing hotel owners and operators across 36 States and Abuja. We have called this briefing to share an important update concerning our industry and our members.”
”On the 29th of August 2025, the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Economy kindly responded to our concerns about the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).”
“NIHOTOUR had announced plans to register and train hotel personnel. However, registration is not part of their duty. By law, registration falls under the Nigeria Tourism and Development Authority (NTDA).”
“After our protest and wide consultations with stakeholders, the Minister directed NIHOTOUR to suspend this exercise until further notice,”
“This decision is a huge relief and a step toward solving the confusion and pressure this matter has caused hotel owners nationwide. The Minister has also promised to hold more talks with stakeholders, including the Nigeria Hotel Association, to agree on a fair and transparent way forward.”
”We therefore call on our members across the country to ignore anyone trying to collect money under the suspended NIHOTOUR directive. The suspension is still valid until a new, clear decision is made.”
“I also want to thank the President of the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), Alhaji Dr. Badaki Aliyu for his strong support and contributions before and during the Ministerial meeting. FTAN is the umbrella body of all sister Associations in this country,” he added.
”Let me stress this: the Nigeria Hotel Association supports training and certifications that raise the standard of our industry. But such initiatives must be done openly, with proper consultation, and in ways that help, not harm our members”
“An future action by any government agency or association must first involve our leadership. At the national level, the President and Executive must be consulted.At the state level, the state chairmen should be engaged. And at the local level, the local leaders must be informed. This is the only way to avoid confusion and embarrassment.”
“Uptill today, our members are suffering multiple taxations. Government should do something about it. My members are bitterly complaining about it.Our hotel industry plays a vital role in Nigeria’s economy. We create jobs, generate revenue, and accommodate visitors from all over the world I believe that 95% of the hotels in every state belong to my members.”
“Yet, we have faced many challenges, including lack of government support, especially during the tough times of COVID-19. That is why we will always demand policies that encourage growth, sustainability, and expansion—not those that create more burdens.”
”We are also grateful for the commitment of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism. After listening to our concerns during our visit, he assured us that he will push laws to protect hoteliers’ rights and create a better environment for our industry”
“This partnership between the National Assembly, the Ministry, and stakeholders is key to building a strong tourism and hospitality sector that can compete globally.” The National President said
The NHA President said that the suspension of NIHOTOUR’s fee collection remains in force, members should therefore ignore any contrary instruction until there is an official resolution.
According to him, “NHA will continue to stand by our members and work closely with the government and all stakeholders to reposition our industry for greater growth urging all agencies and associations to always consult NHA leadership at all levels before taking actions that affect our members”
The NHA thanked the Minister for listening and engaging with them, saying “We thank the Senate Committee Chairman for his assurance of legislative support. And we also appreciate the FTAN Board of Trustee, Alhaji Dantata, the FTAN President Dr. Alhaji Badaki, the Acting DG of NTDA, and our sister agencies for their support.”
