Tourism and Hospitality Key to Economic Diversification, Says Musawa
The Federal Government has charged the tourism and hospitality sector to uphold global standards and sanitize operations in line with the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Act, 2022. The government emphasized that the sector is a key driver of economic diversification and employment generation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, stated this at the flag-off of the NIHOTOUR Sectoral Personnel, Practitioners, Operators and Institutions Registration, Induction, and Professional Practices Certificate Presentation Ceremony held recently at Merit House, Abuja.
Musawa stated that the initiative is aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s revenue generation for economic growth and development by enforcing professional standards and eliminating quack practices.
She charged inductees, industry players, and stakeholders to uphold accountability as Nigeria transitions into a regulated era of competitiveness.
“The sector plays a huge role in the economy. There is a need for the private sector, public sector, and agencies to align Nigeria’s tourism industry with global best practices,” Musawa said.
The Minister urged all stakeholders to work together to build a professionally structured and globally competitive sector. “We must operate as one body with one goal: the development of Nigeria,” Musawa said.
She added that the administration’s vision is to bring Nigerian tourism to global standards and attract global standards into Nigeria.
The Minister stressed that competent professionals delivering excellent service will build a workforce that inspires confidence worldwide. She urged all practitioners, operators, institutions, and government bodies to embrace the value chain for the growth of the industry and Nigeria.
Amadi Uloma Nneka, Head of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry, said the move would unlock new growth avenues, create jobs, and improve living standards for Nigerians.
Earlier, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIHOTOUR, Aare Abisoye Fagade, disclosed that the launch of mandatory registration and professional certification for practitioners will see the issuance of practicing licenses to the first batch of industry professionals.
He noted that the induction and flag-off of the National Register will strengthen accountability and practice standards in the sector.
