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NIHOTOUR Calls For Calm Engagement After Field Officer Provoked During Lagos Compliance Exercise

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On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, during a “scheduled compliance and standardization exercise” by the “National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR)” at the “Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos,” a “moment of tension arose” between a “hotel staff member” and a “law enforcement officer” attached to the NIHOTOUR delegation who was “striped off his uniform” by the hotel staff.

The misunderstanding—which “does not reflect the tone of the broader engagement”—escalated when a “hotel staff physically confronted the officer,” resulting in “damage and striping of his official police uniform.”

The officer, “caught off guard” and “naked with only his pants trousers,” got “visibly provoked” and responded with a “slap,” which made “direct contact with the staff member’s face.”

While the incident is “regrettable and avoidable,” it serves as a “sober reminder” of the importance of “composure, clarity, and professionalism” during such exercises.

The Institute reiterates that its mandate is anchored on “collaboration, capacity enhancement, and stakeholder engagement”—”not hostility or confrontation.”

Commenting on the situation, NIHOTOUR’s Director of Inspection and Enforcement, Barrister Chike Ukuekwe, urged practitioners and operators in the industry to “shun aggressive and combative engagement” when officers of the law arrive at their premises for a “compliance exercise.”

He further emphasized the “need for mutual understanding” and a “professional approach to enforcement efforts.”

“Our collective mission is the upliftment of Nigeria’s hospitality, tourism, and travel sectors through standardization and compliance. These exercises are not meant to antagonize operators but to align practices with national expectations and global standards,” he said.

“We commend establishments like Eko Hotel, Sojourner Hotel, Marriot Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel VI, Black Diamond Hotel, Four Points By Sheraton and others that open their doors to these engagements, and we urge all stakeholders to embrace dialogue, not disruption. It would interest you to know that most of the hotels visited, the compliance issues were resolved within the premises of most hotels, and our team left peacefully after assurances were made by most management of those hotels to comply within 7 days’ time.”

As “Nigeria’s lead institution” for the “standardization of the hospitality, tourism, and travel industry practice,” NIHOTOUR remains “committed to ensuring a professional and safe operational environment.”

“Initiatives such as the ongoing national compliance drive” are designed to “reinforce quality, ethics, and service excellence” across the board.

Moving forward, NIHOTOUR is taking “deliberate steps” to “enhance communication protocols” and “on-site preparedness” during field exercises, ensuring “clarity of purpose and mutual respect” among all parties involved.

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National Assembly Suspends Plenary Till July 22 To Honour Buhari

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Legislative proceedings in the national assembly have been put on hold to pay respect to Muhammadu Buhari, the former president of Nigeria.

Buhari passed away on Sunday at a London clinic after battling a long-term illness.

The clerk of the national assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, shared this update through a statement released on Monday.

“I am directed by the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives to inform all members of the national assembly and the general public that all legislative activities are hereby suspended immediately until Tuesday, 22 July, 2025,” the statement reads.

“All members of the national assembly are urged to reschedule their engagements to enable full participation in the burial activities of the late president.”

Leaders of both legislative chambers offered their sympathies to the government and citizens of Nigeria, the administration and residents of Katsina state, as well as the late president’s wives, children, and extended relatives.

“President Muhammadu Buhari will be remembered for his commitment to Nigeria’s unity and his integrity,” the statement notes.

“May Almighty Allah grant his soul eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.”

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BIG STORY

BUHARI: Obasa Mourns, Tasks Nigerians To Celebrate His Life And Legacy

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Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, has expressed his heartfelt condolences on the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, describing it as a profound loss for both the Buhari family and the entire nation of Nigeria.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Dave Agboola, Speaker Obasa reflected on President Buhari’s lifelong dedication and selfless service to the nation both as a military Head of State and as a two-term elected President of Nigeria.

“President Buhari served our nation with a commitment that will be remembered as a significant part of our history.
“His contributions to the development and unity of Nigeria have left an indelible mark on our country,” said Obasa.

As the nation mourns his passing, Speaker Obasa emphasised the importance of celebrating Buhari’s legacy. “While we grieve his loss, we must also honour his contributions and reflect on the values he championed throughout his time in Office,” he added.

The Speaker urged all Nigerians to take a moment to remember the life and work of President Buhari, as the country continues to strive for the ideals he represented. “Let us come together in this time of sorrow, united in our commitment to building the Nigeria he envisioned,” Obasa stated.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who were touched by his leadership. May his soul rest in peace.”

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VP Shettima, Gbajabiamila Depart Abuja To Accompany Buhari’s Body Back To Nigeria [PHOTOS]

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Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has left Abuja for London to accompany the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria.

It was earlier reported that Buhari, a two-term President who also once served as a military head of state passed away on Sunday evening.

Reports indicate that the former President died in London, where he had traveled a few weeks ago to receive medical treatment.

Throughout his time in office, Buhari dealt with various health issues, often traveling abroad for extended medical care.

Following his death, President Bola Tinubu instructed Shettima to head to London and bring Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.

Gbajabiamila is also joining Shettima on the trip. Both men were seen boarding the presidential jet on Sunday night in a post shared on X.

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