By Comfort Olayinka
The National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has faced intense scrutiny from the House of Representatives Committee on Tourism over its poor 2024 budget implementation and failure to generate revenue.
The committee’s dissatisfaction was voiced during the 2025 budget defense on Wednesday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
At the heart of the issue is NIHOTOUR’s inability to drive revenue growth, despite its critical role in enhancing the skills and professionalism of the workforce in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Honourable Billy Osawaro questioned whether the institution deserves a 2025 budgetary allocation, given its poor performance. However, he gave a chance to the newly appointed Director-General, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, commending his determination to turn things around. “The DG has shown that he has the right vision to bring in the revenue needed for NIHOTOUR,” Osawaro said.
However, the committee is willing to give the newly elected Director-General, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, the benefit of the doubt. Dr. Fagade apologized for the institution’s poor budget implementation and assured the committee of better performance in 2025.
To address the revenue generation challenges, Honourable Kabiru Amadu Maipalace recommended a review of employee portfolios, including principal officers, and suggested reshuffling and transfers to improve performance blaming a lack of creativity and initiative within the institution. “The directors are not delivering, and that’s why we see no revenue growth,” Maipalace remarked.
Committee Chairman, Honourable Muhammad Muktar, highlighted the vital role NIHOTOUR plays in boosting Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sectors, but voiced concerns over its failure to generate expected revenue. “NIHOTOUR is essential for elevating the hospitality industry, but its financial performance has been underwhelming,” Muktar stated.
The committee approved NIHOTOUR’s 2025 budget proposal of N3.627 billion, for further deliberations and scrutiny also marking a crucial step toward reshaping the institute’s future.
The chairman expressed the committee’s commitment to ensuring the institution growth”We are committed to supporting the institution’s growth, particularly in training, infrastructure, and capacity building,” Muktar concluded.
