The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) through its National Mirror Committee, says it has completed its framework designed for standardisation, regulation, and grading of hotels in the country.

The Director General of SON, Mr Osita Aboloma, made this known at a news conference in Lagos on Tuesday.

Aboloma, represented by the Head of SON, Ogun State Office, Mr Enebi Onucheyo, said the committee was inaugurated by SON in April to review and adopt the International Standard Organisation (ISO/T228) for the tourism industry.

According to him, that is in line with Africa Organisation for Standardisation, set up by ECOWAS in accordance with international best practice, for use in the Nigerian tourism industry.

He said the committee was headed by Mrs Chika Balogun, the Director General of National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).

Aboloma said that the framework would form a baseline for the grading and classification of hotels in the country once approved.

“This is a laudable achievement by the committee, which would bring about development in the tourism industry.

“It will lift the sector to another level as well as build confident in the products and services offered by the industry in Nigeria.”

He commended the chairperson of the committee, Mrs Chika Balogun, and other tourism association and operators for their voluntary contributions to the production of the document.

According to him, the document would be presented to SON’s Council and International Community such as, Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) for approval before it can become operational.

He added that three other documents, which were meant for use in the Nigeria Tourism Industry, were also presented and adopted by the committee, making it four documents that were deliberated on and adopted.

Earlier, Mrs Chika Balogun, the Director General, NIHOTOUR, said the framework would further boost the image of the country.

She added that it would inspire confidence in investors, encourage more investment as well as create jobs and wealth in the country.

“This will attract Direct Foreign Investment local and regional investment to the country tourism industry.

“Tourists and investors will not put their money where they are not sure of but with such an important document.

“As standards for hotels, it will boost the confidence of investors to now trust the nation’s tourism industry.

“Investing in the industry will now become reliable and respected as there are now standards of operations to guide operators and investors.” (NAN)

•Photo shows SON DG, Osita Aboloma.

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