Owerri: The Nigeria Hotel Association (NHA) has warned that it will soon begin shutting down unregistered hotels across the country.
The Association’s President, Eze Patrick Anyanwu, addressed journalists during a parley of its national executive and state chairmen in Owerri on Thursday.
The traditional ruler, who spoke on the first day of the two-day meeting, said that the unruly activities of criminals who lodged in unregistered hotels were a major contributor to insecurity in the country.
He urged all hotel owners to join the NHA or risk a legal shutdown, noting that the hospitality industry accounts for a significant share of Nigeria’s GDP and jobs, making it a key driver of economic growth.
“In the near future, hotels that refuse to register with the NHA will face penalties and may risk being shut down as part of efforts to sanitise the industry.
“We cannot continue to allow any hotel that is not registered to operate and damage the reputation of our association because they use such facilities to commit crimes that affect the nation in general “, he said.
He further 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 to promote tourism and create an enabling environment for the growth of the hospitality sector.
He, however, decried the multiple taxation of hoteliers across Nigeria and called for caution, urging state governments to work cooperatively with hoteliers in their respective domains.
“We contribute to employment, revenue, and the accommodation of government visitors from all over the world. Considering our role in national development, it is only fair that the government supports us.
“The recent action of the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has been seriously affecting the hospitality industry, especially hotels, due to the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022, and this is not in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
“This goes against the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which puts tourism services under a residual list. This has to stop. We will not allow any agency or group to harass or intimidate our members,” he said.
