The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has thrown its weight behind the ongoing repositioning of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), lauding the agency’s strategic move to regulate and standardise Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism, and travel industry.
During a courtesy visit by Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, Director General and CEO of NIHOTOUR, the NOA Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described tourism as a vital tool for shaping Nigeria’s global image. He commended NIHOTOUR’s reform efforts and proposed a joint inter-agency project team to drive value-based education and sector professionalism.
“Tourism should reflect our national identity and values. NIHOTOUR’s efforts to introduce structure, certification, and professionalism are a welcome development,” Issa-Onilu said.
In a key policy proposal, the NOA DG called for the inclusion of Citizenship Studies in hospitality training programmes to promote patriotism and service ethics among sector personnel.
Aare Fagade, in his remarks, reaffirmed NIHOTOUR’s transformation from a training-focused institution to a regulatory body responsible for professional standards and certification. He emphasised that the Institute remains committed to quality assurance, stakeholder collaboration, and building a globally competitive workforce.
“We are building an ecosystem where integrity, competence, and national pride define hospitality and tourism practice in Nigeria,” Aare Fagade stated.
The collaboration between NIHOTOUR and NOA signals a new era of institutional synergy aimed at aligning tourism development with national values and international best practices.
