NCAA, NIHOTOUR pledge to evolve regulatory framework against conflicts
Nigeria Hotel Association (NHA) has rejected the alleged introduction of registration by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), saying that the body lacks the constitutional backing to register hotels in the country.
 
The National President of NHA, Dr Patrick Anyanwu, during an interaction with the press in Bauchi yesterday, cautioned the Federal Government against needless regulation. 
 
According to him, “by law, hotel registration is under the mandate of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), not NIHOTOUR.”
 
Anyanwu commended the Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, for suspending the planned registration, describing the suspension as “a huge relief and a step toward solving the confusion and pressure this matter has caused hotel owners nationwide”. 
 
The president acknowledged the support of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), led by Dr Badaki Aliyu, noting that the umbrella body played a key role in engaging the minister on the matter.

Anyanwu stressed that the association would support the training and certification initiatives, but insisted they must be done transparently and with full consultation of stakeholders.
 
He raised concerns about multiple taxation affecting hotel operators, calling on the government to address the issue urgently. “Up till today, our members have been suffering from multiple taxation. The government should do something about it. My members are bitterly complaining,” he said.
 
The NHA President also commended the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism for pledging legislative support to protect hoteliers’ rights and create a more enabling environment for the sector.

MEANWHILE, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has pledged to work with the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) to evolve a clear regulatory framework that will streamline their roles and prevent conflicts.
 
Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo gave the assurance yesterday when he received NIHOTOUR’s Director General, Dr Fagade Abisoye and his team on a courtesy visit to his Abuja office.
 
Najomo, who welcomed the delegation warmly, said collaboration between both agencies was long overdue.
 
“We are more than willing to sit down with NIHOTOUR to create a framework that will remove any ambiguity in our respective roles. The best way to achieve this is to set up a joint committee that will review our enabling Acts and regulations. That way, we will clarify who does what and avoid unnecessary role clashes,” he said.
 
He stressed that the aviation sector could not function in isolation from tourism and hospitality, hence the need for synergy.
 
“Our work directly impacts the passenger experience, which is at the heart of tourism. It makes sense that our agencies align for the benefit of Nigerians and the industry as a whole,” Najomo added.
 
Responding, Abisoye underscored the significance of the partnership, noting that tourism regulation must be inclusive of aviation for Nigeria to realise its full potential.