NIHOTOUR Rejects ‘Harassment’ Claim In HOMAL Suit, Says Judgment Will Be Challenged

By Stella Okocha

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, NIHOTOUR, has rejected reports describing last week’s Federal High Court judgment in the Hotel Owners and Managers Association of Lagos, HOMAL, suit as ending its alleged “harassment” of hotel owners in Lagos.

The Institute said it has seen recent press reports, including a front-page account in _The Matrix_ newspaper, which portrayed the judgment in that light.

In a statement on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, signed by SA Communication, Dr. Boye Longe, NIHOTOUR said it does not accept the characterization and that fees collected from HOMAL members were not extorted.

“The judgment addressed a dispute over regulatory jurisdiction within Lagos State. It did not establish, and NIHOTOUR does not accept, that fees collected from HOMAL members were ‘extorted’ or paid ‘under duress,'” the statement said.

According to NIHOTOUR, the fees were collected under the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act, 2022, as part of its statutory mandate to register, certify and set standards for hospitality and tourism workforce nationwide.

The Institute said it is obtaining the certified judgment and, on legal advice, will challenge the ruling.

“As stated last week, NIHOTOUR is obtaining the certified judgment and, on legal advice, proceeding to challenge the ruling. The matter is therefore still active, and the Institute considers it premature for any party to present the judgment as final or settled,” it stated.

NIHOTOUR added that its mandate exists to protect workers, guests and businesses that hotel owners serve, noting that a skilled, certified workforce benefits operators and the wider industry.

“The Institute will not enter a public contest over labels; its focus remains on the legal process and the professional standards the sector needs,” it said, promising further updates as the process progresses.