The Nigerian Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has directed the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) to immediately suspend all enforcement actions nationwide, following recent incidents in Lagos State.

The directive was issued in response to a recent enforcement exercise carried out by NIHOTOUR in Lagos.

According to the Minister, the decision “paves the way for a more inclusive, transparent, and consultative stakeholder engagement process,” which she will personally lead in the coming weeks.

While reaffirming NIHOTOUR’s legal mandate to regulate standards, maintain a register of personnel, practitioners, and professionals, and ensure compliance across Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism, and travel sectors, the Minister called for calm and mutual understanding among all stakeholders.

She stated: “The industry must be driven by standards, but our approach must also reflect our shared humanity. Compliance must not come at the expense of dialogue.”

A multi-stakeholder roundtable will be convened shortly to harmonise expectations, deepen collaboration, and reposition the industry for sustainable growth, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as his compassionate approach of tempering justice with mercy.

The Ministry remains committed to strengthening dialogue and strategic partnerships with all sectoral stakeholders, with the aim of building an ecosystem rooted in trust, innovation, and shared prosperity.

Minister Musawa commended the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and other professional bodies for their steadfast commitment to promoting sectoral growth and cohesion. She also reaffirmed her commitment to supporting NIHOTOUR in its ongoing transformation into a dynamic, responsible, and industry-aligned regulatory institution, working collaboratively for national development. (VON)