NHA raises alarm over criminal activities in unregistered hotels

The Nigeria Hotel Association (NHA) has warned that it may soon begin shutting down unregistered hotels across the country.

The association’s President, Eze Patrick Anyanwu, made this known while addressing 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 the activities of criminals lodging in unregistered hotels were a major contributor to insecurity in the country.

He called on all hotel owners to affiliate with the NHA or risk closure through legal action, describing the hospitality industry 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 penalties and may be shut down as part of efforts to sanitise the industry.

“We cannot continue to allow hotels that are not registered to operate and damage the reputation of our association, as such facilities are used to commit crimes that affect the nation at large,” he said.

He further urged governments 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 State 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 Nigeria and called for caution, urging state governments to work cooperatively with operators in their domains.

“In consideration of our significant contribution to employment, revenue generation, accommodation of government visitors from around the world, and national development, it is only fair that the government supports us.

“The recent actions of the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) have been adversely affecting the hospitality industry, especially hotels, over the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022, and this is not in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.

“This runs contrary to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which places tourism services on the residual list, and it must stop. We will not allow any agency or group to harass or intimidate our members,” he said. (NAN)