Juliet Jacob 
Minister Hannatu Musawa
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government suspends all enforcement activities by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), citing concerns of overreach and the need to clarify the agency’s mandate.
The directive, issued by Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa, follows rising complaints from operators across the hospitality and tourism sector.
“No NIHOTOUR official is permitted to carry out enforcement activities pending the conclusion of the review,” the minister says in a statement released by her spokesperson Nneka Ikem Anibeze.
Musawa emphasises that regulation must remain lawful, transparent and aligned with the Ministry’s authority under the Establishment Act. The suspension covers fines, compliance checks, field raids, licensing enforcement and any operation involving security agencies.
She says the move aims to restore sector confidence while preventing “actions that may undermine lawful regulatory procedures.” A multi-stakeholder session will soon be convened to harmonise grey areas in the agency’s mandate.
“Our goal is not to obstruct the agency’s work,” Musawa adds, “but to guarantee that every regulatory step is rooted in law, engagement and sector-wide confidence.”
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Mirian Gom 
Chukwu Obinna 
