NIHOTOUR inaugurates governing board of hospitality, tourism sector skills Council of Nigeria 

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has concluded arrangements for the inauguration of the Governing Board of the Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSCCN) as the host of the Council and in line with its mandate as a regulatory body for professional training, practices, and certification in the sector.

Briefing newsmen in his office, Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa, Director General of NIHOTOUR, said the inauguration of the Governing Board of the Council became imperative to enable the Council to commence the discharge of its duties and responsibilities in piloting the growth and development of the hospitality and tourism industry of the country via capacity building and professional skill development. This will be done in line with the demand needs of the industry as empowered by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and approved and directed by the National Executive Council.

Alhaji Kangiwa, who explained that the Council’s roles and responsibilities are stipulated to carry out employer-led engagements that take cognizance of the active involvement and participation of the Organized Private Sector in the industry comprising of trade unions, professional bodies, Skills, and workforce development institutions as well as critical stakeholders, is expected to influence training needs and delivery in the country and posited that this will go a long way in reducing demand skills gaps and manpower shortage that has been the bane of development in the sector.

He noted that the Sector Skills Council will also among other benefits bring about an increase in opportunities for all individuals in the workforce as well as create a Labour Market Information System (LMIS) that will assist planning and delivery of training and thus, achieve improved and enhanced productivity.

According to the Director-General, the inauguration which is scheduled to hold on Thursday at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja on Thursday 25th March 2021, will be performed by the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed under the strict observance of the Covid-19 non-pharmaceutical guidelines and protocols, adding that participation of stakeholders of the industry in the event will be via zoom meeting.