Nigerian hotel proprietors, united under the Hotel Owners Forum Abuja (HOFA), have called upon President Bola Tinubu’s administration to establish an independent Ministry of Tourism.
Their intention behind this proposal is to bolster the oversight and regulation of the hospitality sector.
This appeal was made during an interview with Mrs. Funmi Kazeem, the President of HOFA, in Abuja on Wednesday.
By creating a distinct Ministry of Tourism, the group believes that the Nigerian government could effectively fortify the regulatory framework governing the hospitality industry.
This move would serve to counteract criminal activities within the sector, particularly those occurring within hotels.
Mrs. Kazeem emphasized that while crimes happen both inside and outside hotels, the proper regulation of the hospitality sector could significantly mitigate criminal incidents.
She noted that the implementation of a dedicated ministry would aid in the monitoring and management of these issues.
Presently, many hotels are operating without proper regulations, thereby enabling criminal activities to go unchecked.
Mrs. Kazeem pointed out that some establishments exploit the lack of oversight to harbor criminal elements.
Furthermore, the president highlighted the importance of hotel owners associating themselves under a recognized body, such as HOFA.
This would ensure ethical practices and prevent any shortcuts that might compromise the industry’s integrity.
HOFA, currently consisting of 300 members out of a total of one thousand hotels in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has encountered reluctance from the remaining 700 hotels to join.
This reluctance is due to tax avoidance, anonymity, and a lack of identity.
The call for a dedicated Ministry of Tourism and Culture has also been echoed by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC).
Chief Olusegun Runsewe, the Director-General of NCAC, has urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the establishment of such a ministry to bridge the communication gap between the private and public sectors.
Chief Runsewe emphasizes that a distinct ministry is crucial for the advancement of both the tourism and culture industries, aiming to bring these sectors into closer alignment and collaboration.
