NIHOTOUR, IMMIGRATION SERVICE PARTNER TO SANITIZE NIGERIA’S TOURISM INDUSTRY
NIHOTOUR, IMMIGRATION SERVICE PARTNER TO SANITIZE NIGERIA'S TOURISM INDUSTRY
By Aliu Joshua
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has taken a significant step towards sanitizing Nigeria’s tourism industry by partnering with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). The partnership, which was sealed during a meeting between the Director General of NIHOTOUR, Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, and the Comptroller General of the NIS, aims to enforce industry standards and ensure that only qualified professionals operate in the sector.
The partnership is crucial in addressing the unchecked influx of expatriates into Nigeria’s hospitality industry, who often dominate key positions and earn higher salaries than their Nigerian counterparts. To address this disparity, NIHOTOUR is calling for the immediate inclusion of its certification as a mandatory requirement for hospitality, travel, and tourism businesses when processing work visas for expatriates.
This move will ensure that only qualified professionals who meet Nigeria’s industry standards are granted permits to work in the sector. Additionally, NIHOTOUR seeks to establish a joint committee with the NIS to conduct a comprehensive review of all CERPAC work permits issued to expatriates working in Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism industry.
The committee will ensure that all foreign professionals operating in the sector possess both NIHOTOUR certification and the required CERPAC permit. Furthermore, NIHOTOUR is proposing a structured training program for immigration officers at airports to enhance their professional conduct and improve the overall airport experience.
This initiative aims to eliminate alleged cases of extortion, foster a welcoming environment for travelers, and create an additional revenue stream for both NIHOTOUR and the NIS. The partnership between NIHOTOUR and the NIS is a significant step towards sanitizing Nigeria’s tourism industry and promoting fairness, professionalism, and sustainable growth in the sector.
In conclusion, the partnership between NIHOTOUR and the NIS is a welcome development that is expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria’s tourism industry. By enforcing industry standards and ensuring that only qualified professionals operate in the sector, the partnership will promote fairness, professionalism, and sustainable growth in the industry.
