The Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Aare Abisoye Fagade, on Friday, November 13, 2026, marked his second anniversary in office with a renewed commitment to transforming the Institute into a leading reference point for tourism and hospitality training, certification and regulation in Nigeria.
In his anniversary address, the Director General acknowledged the dedication and resilience of staff who continued to keep the institution moving despite tight budgetary constraints, often without public recognition.
He expressed gratitude for their commitment and contributions to sustaining the Institute.
Reflecting on the reform journey, Aare Abisoye Fagade noted that the administration deliberately adopted a gradual approach, undertaking one reform at a time while remaining steadfast in its statutory mandate to train, certify and regulate the hospitality and tourism sector.
He emphasised that institutional reforms require consistency and persistence, urging staff to remain firm in upholding the law and ensuring that the Institute’s regulatory responsibilities are effectively discharged.
“Our mandate has not changed. Regulation must work hand in hand with the industry,” he reaffirmed.
The Director-General further stressed that an institution mandated to modernise the hospitality and tourism sector must also be willing to modernise its own systems, structures and operations.
He maintained that NIHOTOUR could not continue to operate with outdated practices if it must remain relevant and responsive to the demands of a changing industry.
He also underscored the importance of building an institution that inspires pride among its workforce, expressing his desire for staff to confidently identify with NIHOTOUR and take ownership of its transformation.
Reaffirming his vision, Aare Abisoye Fagade declared that he would not leave NIHOTOUR the way he met it, stressing his determination to build an institution that is respected, effective and recognised as a reference point in Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism industry.
