The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy has directed the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), to immediately commence the Immediate and full implementation of the Institute’s Act 2022 and Regulations 2025
The directive was conveyed in a letter dated February 26, 2026, signed by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.
Musawa in the letter mandated 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 Minister emphasised 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, standardising training and certification, ensuring compliance with operational standards, and fostering investor confidence across the tourism value chain.
NIHOTOUR has also 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 Ministry said that it remain 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.
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