By Hyacinth NWAFOR
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy has directed the immediate and full implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 and the NIHOTOUR Regulations 2025 by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).
According to a press statement formally endorsed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Abuja, the directive was issued with immediate effect, underscoring the Ministry’s resolve to ensure full compliance with the newly activated regulatory framework.
The directive was conveyed in a letter dated February 26, 2028, signed by the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, mandating the Director-General of NIHOTOUR, Abisoye Fagade, to proceed with immediate implementation in accordance with the powers conferred on the Institute by its Establishment Act and subsidiary Regulations.
The Honourable Minister emphasized that effective regulation of personnel and operators within the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors is critical to repositioning the industry as a structured, professional, and globally competitive contributor to Nigeria’s economy.
According to the Minister: “The regulation of personnel and operators within the hospitality, travel and tourism sectors, as specified in the Act, is essential to enhancing professionalism, service quality, consumer protection, and sustainable industry growth. This regulatory framework establishes minimum standards for skills, ethics, safety, and operations. It will strengthen public confidence, improve competitiveness, and align the sector with national and international best practices.”
The Ministry further reaffirmed that implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 and Regulations 2025 represents a strategic milestone in strengthening institutional governance, standardizing training and certification, ensuring compliance with operational standards, and fostering investor confidence across the tourism value chain.
NIHOTOUR has been directed to formally communicate this mandate to all departments, stakeholders, operators, and practitioners under its regulatory purview to ensure full and immediate compliance.
The Federal Ministry remains committed to building a vibrant, well-regulated, and globally competitive hospitality and tourism industry that reflects Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage while driving sustainable economic growth.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Department of Public Communications
Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy
Abuja, Nigeria