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The Nigeria Hotel Association (NHA) has warned that the closure of unregistered hotels in the country will soon begin.
The President of the Association, Eze Patrick Anyanwu, stated this on Thursday, while addressing journalists during a meeting between the national executive and state presidents in Owerri.
The traditional ruler, who spoke on the first day of the two-day meeting, said the unruly activities of criminals staying in unregistered hotels are major contributors to insecurity in the country.
He called on all hotel owners to identify themselves with the NHA or risk closure through the use of legal force, describing the hospitality sector as “one of the most important drivers of economic growth in Nigeria”.
“In the near future, hotels that refuse to register with the NHA will face fines and could risk being shut down as part of efforts to clean up the industry.
“We cannot continue to allow any unregistered hotel to operate and damage the reputation of our association because it uses such facilities to commit crimes that affect the nation at large,” he said.
He also urged the government at all levels to provide interventions such as grants or bailout funds to support the association and its members nationwide.
He commended the Federal Government and the Imo Government for their efforts in promoting tourism and creating an enabling environment for the growth of the hospitality sector.
He however decried the multiple taxation of hoteliers across the world and called for caution, urging various state governments to collaborate with hoteliers in their domains.
“In view of our enormous contribution to employment, revenue generation, welcoming government visitors from around the world and national development, it is right that the government supports us.
“The recent action by the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has had a serious impact on the hospitality sector, especially hotels, due to the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022, and this is not in line with the federal government’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“This is against the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which places tourism services on a residual list and must be stopped, as we will not allow any agency or group to harass or intimidate our members,” he said.
