By Ekene Okafor
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, has underscored the pressing necessity for effective regulatory frameworks within Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sector.
Osigwe made the remark when the Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr. Abisoye Fagade, paid him a courtesy visit at the NBA House in Abuja.
He said that it was imperative for the industry to be guided by appropriate legal measures in order to fully realize its national and economic potential.
Osigwe commended the ongoing transformation and professionalization drive being championed by NIHOTOUR.
He noted that with proper legal and institutional frameworks, the hospitality and tourism sector could become one of Nigeria’s most reliable engines for job creation, youth empowerment, and global competitiveness.
“Our hospitality and tourism industry must be regulated to yield maximum benefits for Nigeria. Proper standards, accountability, and consumer protection are key. The NBA is ready to collaborate with NIHOTOUR in providing the necessary legal backbone to achieve this,” Osigwe said.
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In his response, Dr. Fagade expressed appreciation for the NBA’s willingness to partner with NIHOTOUR, describing the Association as a critical stakeholder in strengthening institutional governance across service industries.
“Regulation backed by strong legal principles is vital to ensuring our sector’s growth is both sustainable and globally credible. NIHOTOUR is committed to driving this transformation in line with the national tourism policy,” Fagade stated.
The visit marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between NIHOTOUR and the NBA aimed at enhancing legal collaboration, policy alignment, and professional training in tourism law and ethics.
The engagement supports NIHOTOUR’s broader mission of building a competent, compliant, and competitive tourism workforce for Nigeria.