‘Multiple Taxation Threatening Nigerian Hotel Industry’

The national leadership of the Nigeria Hotel Association (NHA) has called on its members across the country to ignore anyone trying to collect money under the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).

The association said the minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Economy directed NIHOTOUR to suspend the exercise until further notice, saying the suspension is still valid pending a new decision on the matter.

The national president of the association, Eze Patrick C. Anyanwu described the tax collection suspension as a huge relief and a step toward solving the confusion and pressure the issue has caused hotel owners nationwide.

Anyanwu at a press conference in Bauchi yesterday conveyed to the members the promise by the minister to hold talks with stakeholders, including the association to agree on a fair and transparent way of tax collection.

He said, “I also want to thank the President of the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN) Alhaji Dr. Badaki Aliyu for his strong support and contributions before and during the Ministerial meeting. FTAN is the umbrella body of all sister associations in this country.”

According to him, the association is solidly behind the training of members and certification of hotels to raise the standard of the industry which, however categorically stated, must be done openly, and with proper consultation with the association’s leadership.

Patrick Anyanwu succinctly puts it this way, “At the national level, the President and Executive must be consulted. At the state level, the state chairmen should be engaged. And at the local level, the local leaders must be informed.”

He told the press conference that a laid down procedure is the only way to avoid confusion and embarrassment in the association and the industry at large, stressing that registration of hotels is not the responsibility of NIHOTOUR.

“The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) had announced plans to register and train hotel personnel. However, registration is not part of their duty. By law, registration falls under the Nigeria Tourism and Development Authority (NTDA).

“Uptill today, our members are suffering from multiple taxations. Government should do something about it. My members are bitterly complaining about it”, Eze faulted.

He emphasised that the hotel industry plays a vital role in Nigeria’s economy, creating jobs, generating revenue, and accommodating visitors from all over the world, expressing the believe that 95% of the hotels in every state belong to his members.

Eze also decried lack of government support, especially during the tough times of COVID-19, and stressed the need for policies that could encourage growth, sustainability, and expansion, but not those that create more burdens.

He further said, “We are also grateful for the commitment of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism. After listening to our concerns during our visit, he assured us that he will push laws to protect hoteliers’ rights and create a better environment for our industry.

“This partnership between the National Assembly, the Ministry, and stakeholders is key to building a strong tourism and hospitality sector that can compete globally.”

“The suspension of NIHOTOUR’s fee collection remains in force. Our members should ignore any contrary instruction until there is an official resolution,” the association said.

“The NHA will continue to stand by our members and work closely with the government and all stakeholders to reposition our industry for greater growth.”

The association urged all agencies and associations to always consult NHA leadership at all levels before taking actions that affect the members.

“We thank the Honourable Minister for listening and engaging with us. We thank the Senate Committee Chairman for his assurance of legislative support. And we also appreciate the FTAN Board of Trustee, Alhaji Dantata, the FTAN President Dr. Alhaji Badaki, the Acting DG of NTDA, and our sister agencies for their support.”