The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy has directed the immediate suspension of all enforcement operations conducted nationwide by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).
The directive, approved by the Minister, Hannatu Musawa, follows a review of NIHOTOUR’s recent enforcement activities and concerns raised by stakeholders across the hospitality and tourism sectors.
According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Media aide, Nneka Ikem-Anibeze, the suspension is aimed “at restoring order, protecting the rights of operators, and ensuring that regulatory interventions remain lawful and consistent with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
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“The Ministry has taken note of widespread complaints regarding NIHOTOUR’s recent compliance actions. We are committed to maintaining a stable, transparent, and business-friendly tourism environment. Until a full policy and operational review is completed, all NIHOTOUR enforcement activities are hereby suspended nationwide,” the Minister said
The statement reads, “The suspension includes, but is not limited to: Field inspections and compliance raids; demand notices, fines, and regulatory sanctions; licensing or registration enforcement; any activity by NIHOTOUR officials involving police or third-party security operatives.”
The Ministry emphasised that it remains the supervising authority over NIHOTOUR, as established by law and reinforced by the Institute’s gazetted operational mandate.
The Nigerian government assured stakeholders that every regulatory action going forward will be grounded in law, professionalism, and industry-wide consultation.
A multi-stakeholder engagement will be convened to clarify grey areas in the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act and prevent future disruptions.