National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has announced the appointment of Justice Ishaq Bello, a retired chief judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as the chairman of the newly established Hospitality, Tourism and Travel Tribunal (HTTT).
The body was established to regulate and adjudicate disputes within Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism and travel sectors, and entertainment streaming services.
The inauguration was in line with Section 40 of the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act, which provides for the creation of a tribunal to oversee matters related to regulation, licencing, discipline and standards in the industry.
NIHOTOUR director-general Abisoye Fagade described the development as a pivotal moment for the industry.
“This marks a new chapter for the tourism industry in Nigeria. With the establishment of the Tribunal, we are institutionalising a culture of due process and accountability,” he said.
“Justice Bello and the other members of the HTTT represent the very best of legal and industry professionalism,” he said.
Other members of the tribunal include former Lagos commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Steve Ayorinde; president of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies and Tourism Practitioners (NANTOP), Bolaji Mustapha; and John Enemona of the Chartered Institute of Hospitality, Tourism and Management of America (CIHTMA), Abuja.
