The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy has ordered the immediate suspension of all enforcement operations carried out by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) across Nigeria.
The suspension was announced on Monday by Nneka Anibeze, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Hannatu Musa Musawa.
It followed a comprehensive review of recent enforcement activities by NIHOTOUR and growing concerns from stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
According to the statement, the minister deemed the suspension necessary to restore order, safeguard the rights of operators, and ensure that regulatory activities are conducted strictly within the law, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“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,” the statement said.
“Until a full policy and operational review is completed, all NIHOTOUR enforcement activities are hereby suspended nationwide, ” the statement added.
The suspension encompasses field inspections, compliance raids, demand notices, fines, regulatory sanctions, licensing or registration enforcement, and any action by NIHOTOUR officials involving police or third-party security operatives.
The ministry also emphasised that it remains the supervising authority over NIHOTOUR, as established by law and reinforced by the Institute’s gazetted operational mandate.
A multi-stakeholder engagement will be convened to clarify ambiguities in the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act and prevent future disruptions in the sector.
The federal government assured operators that all future regulatory actions would adhere to legal frameworks, professional standards, and inclusive industry consultation.
