NIHOTOUR reforms gain momentum as NOA pledges full support

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has pledged full support for NIHOTOUR’s reforms to regulate Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sector, aiming to enhance the nation’s global image and professionalism

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he National Orientation Agency (NOA) has officially pledged its full support for the ongoing repositioning of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).

Also read: NIHOTOUR DG advocates for smart, inclusive tourism at Europe-Africa Investment Summit

The NOA lauded NIHOTOUR’s strategic initiative to regulate and standardize Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism, and travel industry.

During a recent courtesy visit by Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, Director General and CEO of NIHOTOUR, the NOA Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, emphasized tourism’s crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s global image.

He commended NIHOTOUR’s reform efforts and proposed the formation of a joint inter-agency project team to advance value-based education and professionalism within the sector.

“Tourism should reflect our national identity and values. NIHOTOUR’s efforts to introduce structure, certification, and professionalism are a welcome development,” Issa-Onilu stated.

Tourism should reflect our national identity and values. NIHOTOUR’s efforts to introduce structure, certification, and professionalism are a welcome development.

In a significant policy proposal, the NOA DG advocated for the integration of Citizenship Studies into hospitality training programmes. This initiative aims to instill patriotism and strong service ethics among personnel in the tourism sector.

Aare Fagade, in his remarks, reaffirmed NIHOTOUR’s transformation from a purely training-focused institution into a robust regulatory body responsible for professional standards and certification.

He stressed the Institute’s unwavering commitment to quality assurance, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and developing a globally competitive workforce.

“We are building an ecosystem where integrity, competence, and national pride define hospitality and tourism practice in Nigeria,” Aare Fagade asserted.

Also read: NIHOTOUR, South Africa strengthen bilateral ties in hospitality, tourism

The collaboration between NIHOTOUR and NOA signals a new era of institutional synergy, strategically aligning tourism development with national values and international best practices to enhance Nigeria’s standing in the global tourism landscape.

Peculiar Adirika