NIHOTOUR Establishes Panel to Sanction Violators in Tourism Sector

Former Federal Capital Territory Chief Judge, Justice Ishaq Bello, has been appointed to lead the new Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal. The tribunal was inaugurated on July 30th by the Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr. Abisoye Fagade, in Abuja.

The tribunal’s primary function is to enforce ethical standards, ensure compliance with licensing regulations, and promote professionalism across the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors. Justice Bello is expected to use his extensive background in legal reform and judicial administration to guide this regulatory effort.

Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa hailed the tribunal as a “bold and necessary move to clean up and elevate the tourism space.”

Dr. Fagade noted that the tribunal’s creation aligns with NIHOTOUR’s goal of evolving from a training centre into a comprehensive regulatory authority for the industry. He stated that the new body will investigate and rule on cases of professional misconduct, licensing infractions, and ethical violations.

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Dr. Fagade emphasised the importance of the tribunal for the industry’s reputation, stating:

“Our industry must operate on the foundation of competence, ethics, and standards. The tribunal gives us the authority to enforce discipline and safeguard the reputation of practitioners, as well as the trust of the public,” he said.

He added that the tribunal will work with both public and private sector stakeholders to improve service delivery and uphold the integrity of the industry. The establishment of this body is seen as a significant step toward institutionalising accountability and professionalism in Nigeria’s tourism sector.

Muktar Mohammed, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Tourism, called the tribunal a “turning point” for promoting quality and global best practices. He stressed that compliance with professional training and licensing standards is essential for the industry’s sustainable growth.

Mohammed clarified that the tribunal’s purpose is not just to be punitive but also reformative. He highlighted that it will provide a transparent and fair platform to ensure hoteliers, operators, and other institutions meet the benchmarks set by NIHOTOUR and the Federal Ministry of Tourism.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Answers 

What is the new Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal?

The tribunal is a newly established body in Nigeria tasked with enforcing ethical standards, ensuring compliance with licensing regulations, and promoting professionalism within the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors.

Who is the chairman of the new tribunal?

Justice Ishaq Bello, a former Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, has been appointed as the chairman of the tribunal.

What is the primary purpose of this tribunal?

The tribunal is designed to investigate and adjudicate cases involving professional misconduct, licensing infractions, and ethical violations by individuals and institutions in the industry. Its goal is to safeguard the reputation of practitioners and the trust of the public.

How does this tribunal fit into the broader plans for the industry?

According to Dr. Abisoye Fagade, the Director-General of NIHOTOUR, the establishment of the tribunal is part of the institute’s transformation agenda to become a full regulatory authority for the industry, moving beyond its role as just a training centre.

Is the tribunal’s role purely punitive?

No, according to Muktar Mohammed, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Tourism, the tribunal is not just punitive but also reformative. It aims to provide a platform for transparency, fairness, and reform to ensure that industry operators meet professional benchmarks.