NIHOTOUR Has the Power to Transform Nigeria’s Hospitality Industry – Dr. Abisoye Fagade

     Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Abisoye Fagade, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of workers in Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism, and travel sectors, advocating for better pay and dignified treatment comparable to their international counterparts. Fagade, who marks ten months into his four-year tenure, believes the sector’s growth hinges on a well-funded and organized framework that prioritizes worker rights and quality standards.

In an exclusive interview, Fagade discussed the NIHOTOUR Act and its role in fostering a sustainable tourism industry. He highlighted the various segments covered by the Act, including medical, cultural, sports, and religious tourism, with a special focus on Nigeria’s growing religious tourism sector. “The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) will rival Mecca in the future,” Fagade said, stressing the immense potential for the religious tourism market.

Despite the significant strides made, Fagade acknowledged the challenge of changing mindsets within the industry. He pointed out that the country’s tourism sector has been undervalued and underfunded for years, creating a weak foundation. “We’ve been talking about countries like Switzerland and Kenya, but the difference is their investment in the industry,” he remarked. “If we fund tourism the way we funded oil in 1960, we will see remarkable results.”

The NIHOTOUR Act, according to Fagade, offers the legal framework necessary for industry reform. Emphasizing that the law is already in place and needs to be respected for long-term growth. He further explained that many of the people resisting the Act are those benefitting from the current disorganization within the industry.

On the issue of hotel categorization, Fagade clarified that while he does not focus on grading hotels, he is deeply invested in ensuring that they meet certain standards of service and performance. He added that hotels would be categorized based on their size, staff numbers, and investment value, with varying fees applicable accordingly.

Fagade also expressed concern over the high number of expatriates employed in Nigeria’s hospitality industry, many of whom, he argued, were occupying jobs that could have been filled by qualified Nigerians. He mentioned a personal visit to an Abuja restaurant, where he identified several Lebanese nationals who were employed in roles that could have gone to local workers. 

He stressed that NIHOTOUR has worked closely with a range of government agencies, including Immigration, EFCC, and FIRS, to align the hospitality sector with national regulatory standards. Saying the goal is to create a cohesive structure that ensures compliance and promotes growth.

Additionally, a tribunal has been established to handle disputes and regulatory violations within the industry. This measure, Fagade noted, ensures that the right standards are maintained and that businesses that fail to comply face appropriate sanctions.

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