President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s support for reforms in Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry, as the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) presented him with its highest honour.
The President received the Grand Fellow of National Hospitality and Tourism (GFNHT) award during a meeting with NIHOTOUR Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Aare Abisoye Fagade, in Abuja on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
According to a statement by Dr Boye Longe, Special Adviser on Communication Strategy at NIHOTOUR, the meeting focused on ongoing reforms aimed at improving professional standards, developing industry skills and strengthening the tourism sector.
Fagade briefed the President on efforts to implement the NIHOTOUR Act 2022, which provides a legal framework for the institute’s work in strengthening standards and accountability across the hospitality and tourism industry.
The GFNHT award, described by NIHOTOUR as the highest single honour in Nigeria’s tourism sector, was presented to Tinubu as part of the engagement.
The President’s reaffirmation of support comes as the government continues to pursue economic diversification and job creation beyond the oil sector, with tourism identified as an area with potential to attract investment and create opportunities for Nigerians.
Speaking on the importance of the reforms, Fagade said tourism should be seen as more than a source of leisure and recreation, arguing that the industry could make a meaningful contribution to economic growth and national development.
“Our responsibility is to build the professional and institutional foundations that will enable Nigeria’s tourism potential to translate into jobs, investment and sustainable economic growth,” he said.
He added that continued presidential support would help advance the reforms and strengthen the sector’s contribution to the economy.
NIHOTOUR said its ongoing initiatives were designed to improve professional competence, raise service standards and create a more reliable environment for businesses and investors.
The institute also reaffirmed its commitment to working with government agencies and private-sector operators to build a tourism industry that is more professional, competitive and recognised internationally.
The engagement aligns with the objectives of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on economic diversification, employment generation and the development of non-oil sectors.
With improved standards and stronger institutions, NIHOTOUR said it hopes Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry can better attract investment, support businesses and create sustainable employment.
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