NIHOTOUR inaugurates tribunal with Justice Ishaq Bello as chairman

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has officially inaugurated the Hospitality, Tourism and Travel Tribunal (HTTT) to strengthen regulatory oversight and dispute resolution within Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry.

The tribunal was established in accordance with Section 40 (1) and (2) of the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act, which provides for a specialized adjudicatory body to handle matters relating to regulation, licensing, discipline, and professional standards in the sector.

The HTTT is mandated to serve as an independent forum for addressing issues such as professional misconduct, consumer complaints, and licensing violations in the hospitality, tourism, and travel sectors.

Appointed as chairman of the tribunal is Hon. Dr. Justice Ishaq Usman Bello, a retired Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory and respected figure in judicial reform. Justice Bello brings decades of experience and credibility to the role.

Other appointed members include Hon. Steve Ayorinde, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture; Alhaja Bolaji Mustapha, President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies and Tourism Practitioners (NANTOP); and Mr. John Daniel Enemona, representing the Chartered Institute of Hospitality, Tourism and Management of America (CIHTMA), Abuja.

Speaking on the development, Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, Director General of NIHOTOUR, described the establishment of the tribunal as a major step forward for the tourism sector in Nigeria.

“This marks a new chapter for the tourism industry in Nigeria. With the establishment of the tribunal, we are institutionalizing a culture of due process and accountability,” Fagade said.

NIHOTOUR emphasized that the HTTT will enhance professionalism and ensure Nigeria’s tourism industry aligns with global best practices, making it more competitive and responsive to stakeholders.