By Seun Ibiyemi
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has said it will pursue appropriate legal options following the reported judgment of the Federal High Court in Lagos in a suit filed by the Hotel Owners and Managers Association of Lagos (HOMAL) against the institute and other defendants.
The institute disclosed this in a statement, saying it would obtain the certified true copy of the judgment and consult its legal advisers on the next steps, including a possible appeal.
NIHOTOUR maintained that it remained committed to defending its statutory mandate and promoting professional standards across Nigeria’s hospitality, travel and tourism industries.
It said the dispute raised broader questions about professional development, workforce competence and the standards required to position Nigeria as a competitive destination for hospitality and tourism.
According to the institute, a globally competitive hospitality industry requires sustained investment in the skills and competence of its workforce.
It argued that professional training, recognised qualifications and continuous development should be viewed as investments in employees, businesses, consumer confidence and the long-term reputation of tourism destinations.
The institute also acknowledged the interests of hotel owners and operators, particularly the need to protect jobs, encourage investment and maintain a viable business environment.
However, it maintained that these objectives could coexist with professional development and appropriate industry standards.
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NIHOTOUR said it would carefully review the judgment and pursue its legal options while complying with applicable court orders and the advice of its legal team.
It added that disagreements over regulatory authority should be resolved through the law and constructive engagement among relevant federal and state institutions.
The institute called for a clear and workable regulatory framework that protects professional development, respects lawful jurisdiction and supports the growth of Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sector.
Reaffirming its commitment to workforce development, NIHOTOUR said its reform agenda was aimed at equipping Nigerian workers with recognised skills, helping businesses secure competent personnel, giving investors confidence in service standards and improving visitors’ experiences.
It said it would provide further updates as the legal process progresses.
