In a landmark event signaling a transformative push toward professionalism and global competitiveness, the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) on Thursday, May 14, 2026, held its Maiden Induction Ceremony at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja. 
The ceremony, themed “Professional Regulation as a Catalyst for Service Excellence and National Development,” featured the conferment of Fellowship Awards on distinguished professionals and the induction of certified practitioners across hospitality, travel, and tourism. It also included the inauguration of the Governing Boards of the Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSSCN). 
Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, who presided over the occasion, described the initiative as a pivotal intervention. She stressed that sustainable growth in the sector demands structure, standards, skilled professionals, and institutional coordination. 
“Nigeria possesses extraordinary cultural diversity, heritage assets, creative talent, and natural tourism destinations,” the Minister said. “To unlock this immense potential, professionalism, accountability, standardisation, and competence must remain central to our national strategy.” 
Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, Director General and CEO of NIHOTOUR, in his keynote address, positioned the event as a historic turning point. He emphasized that the fellowship conferment goes beyond ceremonial honour, placing a profound responsibility on recipients to act as ambassadors of quality, mentors to emerging talent, and champions of ethical practice. 
“Today, we are laying the foundation for a more structured, respected, innovative, and globally competitive hospitality and tourism industry,” Dr. Fagade declared. “Regulation and standardization are no longer optional; they are economic necessities.” 
Established in 1987 through a tripartite agreement involving the Federal Government, UNDP, and ILO, NIHOTOUR has evolved under the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act 2022 into Nigeria’s apex regulatory and certifying body. Its mandate now encompasses training, professional registration, certification, workforce development, and regulatory oversight to align the sector with international best practices. 
Dr. Fagade reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to enforcing ethics, safety regulations, and quality standards while protecting the reputation of Nigeria’s premier tourism destinations. The event also unveiled elements of the National Registration Portal, advancing ongoing efforts to formalize the sector. 
Notable Recipients
Fellowship honours were conferred on a distinguished list of contributors, including:
• Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa
• Dr. Abisoye Fagade
• NTDA Director General Olayiwola Awakan
• Former Ministers and DG’s such as Lai Mohammed, Segun Runsewe, and Folorunsho Coker
• Otunba Wanle Akinboboye and other industry veterans, academics, and institutional leaders. 
The occasion drew endorsements from key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Bar Association President Mazi Afam Osigwe, and heads of sister agencies like NICO and the National Gallery of Art. 
The ceremony aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, positioning tourism and hospitality as critical drivers of economic diversification, employment generation, foreign exchange earnings, and cultural diplomacy. Industry observers hail it as a bold step toward building investor confidence and elevating Nigeria’s global standing in the sector. 
As Nigeria harnesses its vast tourism potential, NIHOTOUR’s renewed focus on regulation and excellence marks a decisive chapter in the industry’s professional maturation.
