President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s support for Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry after receiving a major honour from the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).
The recognition came during a meeting with NIHOTOUR Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Aare Abisoye Fagade, who briefed the President on reforms aimed at improving professional standards and service delivery across the sector.
During the engagement, Fagade presented Tinubu with the Grand Fellow of National Hospitality and Tourism (GFNHT), which NIHOTOUR describes as its highest individual honour in Nigeria’s tourism sector.
Tinubu Backs Tourism Reforms and Professional Standards
According to NIHOTOUR, discussions focused on skills development, professional training and the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022.
The reforms aim to strengthen accountability, improve service quality and make Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry more competitive.
The institute said stronger professional standards and a credible regulatory environment would help businesses grow and encourage investment across the sector.
NIHOTOUR Highlights Tourism’s Economic Potential
Fagade said tourism should be viewed as more than a source of leisure and recreation. He described it as an economic sector with the potential to create jobs, attract investment and support national development.
“Our responsibility is to build the professional and institutional foundations that will enable Nigeria’s tourism potential to translate into jobs, investment and sustainable economic growth,” Fagade said.
He added that the President’s continued support would help advance reforms and increase the sector’s contribution to the economy.
Tourism Reforms Align With Economic Diversification
The engagement reflects the government’s stated objective of expanding productive sectors beyond oil under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tourism and hospitality businesses could contribute to this effort through employment, enterprise development and investment, while promoting Nigeria’s cultural attractions to local and international visitors.
NIHOTOUR said it would continue working with government agencies and private-sector stakeholders to build a more professional and globally competitive industry.
The institute added that its reform programme is intended to help Nigeria better convert its tourism potential into economic opportunities for citizens.