The leadership of the Hotel Association of Nigeria (NHA) has expressed concern about the numerous challenges that the industry has faced over the years, particularly the lack of government support during difficult times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
This statement was made during a press conference for its highness Eze Dr. Patrick Anyanwu, national president of the Nigeria Hotel Association (NHA).
The event took place on Tuesday in the Conference Room of the Union of Journalists of Nigeria (Nuj) in Bauchi.
He stressed that “our hotel industry plays a vital role in Nigeria’s economy. We create jobs, we generate income and accommodate visitors around the world. I think 95% of hotels in each state belong to my members.”
According to him, “that is why we will always demand policies that foster growth, sustainability and expansion, not those that create more burdens.”
Therefore, he asked the members throughout the country not to pay money with the appearance of registration for the training of personnel by the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (Nihotour), as indicated by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Economy.
The president of the NHA added that “Nihotour had announced plans to register and train the hotel staff. However, the registration is not part of their duty. According to the law, the registration falls under the authority of Tourism and Development of Nigeria (NTDA)”.
“After our protest and broad consultations with the interested parties, the minister ordered Nihotour to suspend this exercise until new notice,” he added.
He said: “This decision is a great relief and a step to resolve the confusion and pressure that this issue has caused to hotels owners throughout the country. The minister has also promised to maintain more conversations with the interested parties, including the Nigeria hotels association, to agree on a fair and transparent path to follow.”
Patrick Anyawu added: “Therefore, we ask our members throughout the country to ignore anyone who tries to charge money under the Suspended Nihotour directive. The suspension remains valid until a new and clear decision is made.”
“I also want to thank the president of the Federation of the Nigerian Tourism Association (FTA), Dr. Badaki Aliyu for his strong support and contributions before and during the ministerial meeting. FTAN is the general body of all sister associations in this country,” he added.
“Allow me to emphasize this: the Nigeria hotel association supports training and certifications that increase the standard of our industry. But such initiatives must be done openly, with adequate consultation and so that they help, do not harm our members.”
According to him, “any future action of any government agency or association must first involve our leadership. At the national level, the president and the Executive must be consulted. UPTIL today, our members are suffering multiple taxes. The government must do something about it. My members complain bitterly.”
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