NHA Commends FG Over Suspension of NIHOTOUR Hotel Staff Registration

From Paul Orude Bauchi 

The Nigeria Hotel Association (NHA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s suspension of the hotel personnel registration exercise earlier announced by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).

Speaking at a press briefing hele at the NUJ Secretariat in Bauchi, the National President of the NHA, His Highness Eze Dr. Patrick C. Anyanwu, said the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Economy, on August 29, 2025, ordered NIHOTOUR to halt the exercise following protests and consultations with stakeholders.

He explained that by law, hotel registration is under the mandate of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), not NIHOTOUR.

“The suspension is a huge relief and a step toward solving the confusion and pressure this matter has caused hotel owners nationwide,” Anyanwu said. 

He advised members to disregard any attempt to collect money under the suspended directive.

The NHA President acknowledged the support of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) led by Alhaji Dr. Badaki Aliyu, noting that the umbrella body played a key role in engaging the Minister on the matter.

Anyanwu stressed that the association supports training and certification initiatives but insisted they must be done transparently and with full consultation of stakeholders.

He raised concerns about multiple taxation affecting hotel operators, calling on government to address the issue urgently.

“Up till today, our members are suffering multiple taxations. Government should do something about it. My members are bitterly complaining,” he said.

The NHA President also commended the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism for pledging legislative support to protect hoteliers’ rights and create a more enabling environment for the sector.

He emphasized that future decisions affecting the hospitality industry must involve NHA leadership at the national, state, and local levels to prevent confusion.

Anyanwu reaffirmed the association’s commitment to working with the Federal Government, the National Assembly, NTDA, FTAN, and other stakeholders to strengthen the hospitality and tourism industry.