… Reaffirms Commitment To Professional Standards In Hospitality Sector
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has said it has taken note of a judgment of the Federal High Court in Lagos in the suit instituted against it by the Hotel Owners and Managers Association of Lagos (HOMAL).
In a statement made available to TCN on Thursday, NIHOTOUR said it would obtain the certified true copy of the judgment and will be guided by its legal advisers in pursuing the appropriate appellate process.
“The Institute remains committed to defending its statutory mandate and advancing professional standards across Nigeria’s hospitality, travel and tourism sectors,” it stated.
Explaining that the issues raised by the said case extend beyond an institutional disagreement, it added that “they concern the future of professional development, workforce competence and the standards required for Nigeria to compete more effectively as a hospitality and tourism destination.
“Nigeria cannot build a globally competitive hospitality industry without investing in the competence of the people who deliver its services.
“Professional training, recognised qualifications and continuous development are not obstacles to business. They are investments in employees, enterprises, consumer confidence and the long-term reputation of our destinations.”
NIHOTOUR however says it recognises the legitimate interests of hotel owners and operators, as well as the importance of protecting jobs, encouraging investment and maintaining a viable business environment. “These objectives should not be treated as incompatible with professional development and appropriate standards.
“The Institute will carefully review the judgment and pursue its legal options. Pending that process, it will act in accordance with the applicable court orders and the advice of its legal team.
“The Institute also believes that differences over regulatory authority should ultimately be resolved through the law and constructive engagement among the relevant federal and state institutions. The objective must be a clear, workable framework that protects professional development, respects lawful jurisdiction and supports the growth of the industry.”
According to the agency, its reform agenda is ultimately about people: the Nigerian worker who deserves recognised skills, the entrepreneur who needs competent personnel, the investor who expects reliable service standards and the visitor whose experience shapes Nigeria’s reputation.
“A legal challenge may require us to reassess our route. It does not change the importance of the destination: a more skilled workforce and a stronger Nigerian hospitality and tourism industry,” the statement added.
