HOMAL Secures Court Ruling Against NIHOTOUR's Actions

Chief Samuel Alabi, the President of the Hotels Owners and Managers Association of Lagos (HOMAL), announced that a Lagos High Court has granted all reliefs sought by the association against the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR). This ruling is seen as a positive development for hotel operators who have faced harassment from NIHOTOUR.

Alabi stated that after multiple unsuccessful attempts to halt NIHOTOUR's actions, HOMAL filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in May 2026, seeking various remedial reliefs. He criticized NIHOTOUR's attempts to enforce registration and certification of hotel personnel as unconstitutional.

Following the appointment of a new Director General at NIHOTOUR in late 2024, the agency intensified its enforcement actions, including unannounced meetings and demands for compliance from HOMAL members. Despite legal objections, NIHOTOUR continued its aggressive enforcement, leading to the court action.

The court's ruling has now halted these enforcement activities, which had previously resulted in the closure of member businesses.