NIHOTOUR enforces certification law, targets non-compliant hotels in Lagos
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The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism has commenced a major compliance enforcement exercise across Lagos State, targeting hotels, restaurants, and other businesses in the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors.
The exercise, which began earlier this week, aims to enforce the provisions of the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act 2022, particularly sections mandating certification and registration of professionals and establishments operating in the industry.
In a statement on Thursday signed by the management of the institute, NIHOTOUR emphasised that the initiative is part of its statutory mandate to standardise and regulate professional practices across Nigeria’s growing hospitality sector.
According to the Director of Legal Services at NIHOTOUR, Mrs. Mariam Inuwa, the move is long overdue.
She highlighted the institute’s legal responsibilities as captured in Section 5(1)(h) of the Act, which authorised NIHOTOUR to regulate the activities of hospitality, travel, and tourism professionals in Nigeria.
She further referenced Section 4(o) of the Act, which mandates the certification of all practitioners in order to promote uniform standards, professionalism, and quality service delivery within the industry.
It was said that as part of the compliance sweep, several high-profile establishments in Lagos were visited, including Marriott Hotel Ikeja GRA, The Sojourner, Sheraton Lagos, Radisson Blu Victoria Island, Black Diamond Hotel, and FourPoints by Sheraton.
NIHOTOUR revealed that these visits were preceded by official letters of demand and contravention notices issued to the concerned organisations
However, the institute confirmed that some of the targeted hotels have already begun the process of aligning with the law.
“NIHOTOUR is pleased to announce that Marriott Hotel, The Sojourner, Radisson Blu, Black Diamond, and FourPoints by Sheraton have all commenced the process of registration and certification, in line with regulatory expectations.” the institute stated.
It said the compliance initiative is being seen as a critical step toward sanitising the industry, which is increasingly recognised as a pillar of national development under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The institute will continue to engage stakeholders constructively, while ensuring strict adherence to the laws governing the sector,” the statement concluded.
