In a historic move to deepen regulation and accountability in Nigeria’s tourism sector, the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) formally inaugurated the Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Tribunal (HTTT) in Abuja on Tuesday, 29 July, 2025.
The event marked a significant turning point for the industry, as it featured not only the official inauguration but also a ceremonial sitting of the Tribunal chaired by Honourable Dr. Justice Ishaq U. Bello, retired Chief Judge of the FCT High Court and newly appointed Chairman of the Tribunal.
The event drew the presence of esteemed guests and industry leaders, with Dr. Mukhtar Mohammed, Chairman, House Committee on Tourism, serving as the Chairman of the Occasion.
His remarks emphasized the legislative commitment to a structured and compliant tourism industry in Nigeria.
Joining Justice Bello on the Tribunal bench were: Mr. Daniel Enemoma John, Registrar General of the Certified Institute of Hospitality, Tourism and Travel (CIHTT); Mr. Ayorinde Oluseyi Steve, former Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism; Alhaja Bolaji Mustapha, President of the National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) and Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, FIMC, Director General of NIHOTOUR.
L-R: Aare Abisoye Fagade, Director General, National Institute for Hospitality & Tourism (NIHOTOUR); Hajia Bolaji Mustapha, President National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP); Mr. John Enemona, Representative of Chartered Institute of Hospitality, Tourism & Management of America, Abuja; Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Former Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Rtd Justice (Dr) Ishaq Bello, for Chief Justice of FCT being inaugurated as members and Chairman of the Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal (HTTPDT) at NIHOTOUR’s head office in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy was represented by Mr. Adebanjo Ayodele, Director, Tourism Support Services.
The ceremonial sitting served as a symbolic demonstration of the Tribunal’s commitment to uphold due process, fair hearing, and the enforcement of professional standards in the hospitality, tourism, and travel industries.
As provided under Section 44 of the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act (2022) and reinforced by the 2025 Regulations, the HTTT is empowered to handle disciplinary matters, licensing violations, and institutional grievances, bringing a long-awaited legal and administrative backbone to the sector.
The inauguration reaffirms NIHOTOUR’s vision to standardize tourism practices and reposition Nigeria as a destination of global pride and professionalism.
