In a landmark move to reshape Nigeria’s hospitality, travel and tourism landscape, the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has officially inaugurated the Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal – a pioneering body established to enforce ethical standards, licensing compliance, and professionalism across the sector.
 
The tribunal is chaired by former Chief Judge of the FCT, Justice Ishaq Bello, whose extensive experience in legal reform and judicial leadership brings credibility and strength to the initiative.
 
Chairing the event was Muktar Mohammed, Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism, who delivered a rousing keynote address applauding NIHOTOUR’s forward-thinking initiative.

He declared the tribunal a “turning point in our collective resolve to promote quality, safety, and global best practices in the sector.”
 
“The hospitality industry is a vital pillar of our national economy. However, for it to thrive sustainably, compliance with professional training and licensing standards must not be optional – it must be enforced,” he added.
 
Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, represented by Mr Ayodele Adebanjo, lauded the establishment of the tribunal as a bold and necessary move.  

Director-General of NIHOTOUR, Dr Abisoye Fagade, stressed that the panel is central to the institute’s broader transformation from a training institution into a regulatory authority.
 
The tribunal is empowered to investigate and adjudicate cases involving professional misconduct, licensing violations, and ethical breaches by practitioners and institutions within the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors.