Lagos, Nigeria – The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has officially unveiled its newly renovated and upgraded Lagos Zonal Office, marking a significant step in its commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sector.
The commissioning ceremony, held in Lagos, drew an array of stakeholders, traditional rulers, and dignitaries from across the industry, underscoring the strategic importance of the institute in national development.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NIHOTOUR, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, expressed deep satisfaction with the transformation of the facility, recalling its poor state at the time he assumed office.
“I’m very happy today because I remember when I first visited this place after assuming office, my initial reaction was that human beings could not work here. It was not a conducive environment,” he said.
Acknowledging the funding challenges under the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Dr. Fagade commended President Bola Tinubu for his ongoing efforts to make resources available, despite economic constraints.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda has been challenging, particularly in terms of funding, but President Bola Tinubu is doing all he can. Despite these constraints, we were able to complete this renovation project, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved.”
Dr. Fagade also emphasized the importance of recognizing incremental progress.
“Some may wonder why we are celebrating this, but I always tell people—if you don’t celebrate the little wins, you won’t be ready for the big ones. This renovation is a starting point, and there’s more to come. This event is also a way to draw national attention to the tourism sector—to show that despite the country’s challenges, we are making tangible progress.”
Among the dignitaries present was the Oba of Odi-Olowo Kingdom, HRM Oba Olamide Ayinde, who praised the initiative and the Director-General’s leadership.
“I pass through this area often, and I never even knew something like this existed here. But seeing this improvement today, I know it can only grow bigger and better. I want to thank Dr. Fagade for this great work. The building before was nothing to write home about, but now there is a clear change. I pray God gives him the wisdom to do even more,” the monarch stated.
Also lending his voice, Chief Ganiyu Olalekan Bakare, the Aro Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom, highlighted the role of institutions like NIHOTOUR in driving tourism development.
“Tourism is about movement, enjoyment, and exploration. But we need proper regulation and trained professionals to make it successful. Institutions like NIHOTOUR are essential for producing skilled graduates who will drive our tourism and hospitality industry forward.”
In her remarks, the Zonal Director of Operations, Mrs. Uche Ibeabuchi Chinyere, expressed pride in the transformation achieved under Dr. Fagade’s leadership.
“I am very happy this is happening under my watch. If you knew the state of the office before, you’d understand why this is a big deal. It was not a place we could proudly show to guests. But now, we have a conducive environment that inspires us to do our best.”
She also offered prayers for the Director-General, wishing him a long and successful tenure marked by wisdom and impactful leadership.
The renovation of the Lagos office forms part of NIHOTOUR’s broader strategic plan to reposition hospitality and tourism training in Nigeria. Dr. Fagade reassured attendees that more projects are in the pipeline to align the institute’s infrastructure and programs with global best practices.
With the upgraded Lagos facility, NIHOTOUR is now better equipped to train world-class professionals and contribute more significantly to the growth and development of Nigeria’s tourism industy
