The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) says it has trained about 6,000 professionals in hospitality and tourism since inception in 1987.
Dr Momoh Kabir, Director-General of the institute told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Kabir said that the institute was created to empower Nigerians in the hospitality and tourism sector as well as to train experts in the field.
“Since its establishment in 1987, NIHOTOUR has produced more than 6,000 students in the field of hospitality and tourism.
“The institute is not created to make profit, it is a social establishment affiliated to International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Montreal, Canada.
“Its core mandate has been to provide a platform for a well trained professional workforce to provide quality, high standard service delivery in the tourism and hospitality industry,’’ he said.
The Director-General said that the sector, if well developed, would go a long way to support the country’s economic growth.
“The development of the tourism sector, especially in the area of capacity building, is important for the overall growth of the economy.
“This explains the pivotal role in the ongoing training anchored by the N-Power programme for capacity building and skills acquisition in the hospitality industry for youths across the country,’’ he said.
Kabir stressed the need for the development of skilled workforce to develop the industry and curb unemployment for greater efficiency and economic development.
He said that the Federal government’s diversification efforts would get a boost with massive investment in the sector.
