Hot SourceVanessa Obioha
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has announced the formal inauguration of the Hospitality, Tourism and Travel Tribunal (HTTT) in line with Section 40 (1) and (2) of the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act. It has appointed the retired Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Hon. Dr. Justice Ishaq Usman Bello as Chairman of the Tribunal.
His appointment is in accordance with the provisions of the Tribunal Act.
The Tribunal is constituted as a regulatory and adjudicatory body for resolving disputes, enforcing professional standards, and ensuring compliance across Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism, and travel sectors.
While Section 40 (1) of the NIHOTOUR Act provides that HTTT is an established body charged with the responsibility of adjudicating on matters relating to the regulation, practice, licensing, discipline, and standards within the hospitality, tourism and travel industry, section 40 (2) stipulates that the tribunal shall consist of a Chairman who shall be a retired Judge of a superior court of record in Nigeria and four other members drawn from relevant professional bodies in the industry.
With his impeccable record in judicial service and legal reform, Justice Bello brings deep integrity and authority to this pivotal role.
Other distinguished members appointed to serve on the Tribunal include former Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos State, Steve Ayorinde; President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies and Tourism Practitioners (NANTOP), Bolaji Mustapha; and representative of the Chartered Institute of Hospitality, Tourism and Management of America, Abuja (CIHTM), Mr. John Daniel Enemona.
Speaking on this development, the Director General of NIHOTOUR, Abisoye Fagade, noted, “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. Justice Bello and the other members of the HTTT represent the very best of legal and industry professionalism.”
The inauguration of the HTTT, he said, affirms NIHOTOUR’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s tourism ecosystem is not only competitive but also credible, responsive, and fully aligned with international best practices.
