….Says Marriott Hotel, The Sojourner, Radisson Blu, Black Diamond, FourPoints by Sheraton are complying
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has officially commenced a rigorous compliance exercise across Lagos State, focusing on hotels, restaurants, and other establishments within the hospitality, travel, and tourism sector.
A statement by the management of the regulatory agency said, “this initiative is in furtherance of NIHOTOUR’s statutory mandate to standardize and regulate professional practices within the industry nationwide.
NIHOTOUR clarified that drive is to ensure industry stakeholders meet the registration and certification standards of the agency in accordance with its establishments Act.
“The compliance drive seeks to ensure istered and re that all personnel, practitioners, and operators within the sector are duly certified and registered with NIHOTOUR, in accordance with the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act 2022,” the statement clarified.
Speaking on the development, the Director of Legal Services at NIHOTOUR, Mrs. Mariam Inuwa, highlighted the Institute’s legal responsibilities as captured in Section 5(1)(h) of the Act, which authorises 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.
As part of the exercise, several leading establishments were visited, including Marriott Hotel Ikeja GRA, The Sojourner, Sheraton Lagos, Radisson Blu Victoria Island, Black Diamond Hotel, and FourPoints By Sheraton. These visits followed the issuance of multiple letters of demand and contravention notices to the affected organizations.
The statement clarified further that some of the aforementioned hotels have started their registration and certification processes.
“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 statement added.
The statement therefore affirmed, “this compliance drive reinforces NIHOTOUR’s unwavering commitment to repositioning the Nigerian hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors as key pillars of national development under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The Institute will continue to engage stakeholders constructively, while ensuring strict adherence to the laws governing the sector.
