NIHOTOUR to inaugurate governing board of HTSSCN

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) is set for the inauguration of the ‘Governing Board’ of the Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSCCN) on March 25.

Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, who stated this during media conference on Tuesday in Abuja, said inauguration was in line with the institute mandate, as a regulatory body for professional training, practices and certification in the sector.

Kangiwa, who is also a host of the council, said the inauguration of the ‘Governing Board’ of the council became imperative to enable the council commence the discharge of its duties and responsibilities, in piloting the growth and development of the hospitality and tourism industry of the country .

He added that the council would also pilot in capacity building and professional skill development, in line with demand needed of the industry as empowered by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and approved and directed by the National Executive Council(NEC).

NIHOTOUR boss explained that the Council’s roles and responsibilities were stipulated to carry out employer-led engagements that would take cognisance of the active involvement and participation of the ‘Organised Private Sector’ in the industry.

“Organised private sector comprises of trade unions, professional bodies, Skills and workforce development institutions as well as critical stake-holders.

” It is expected to influence training needs and delivery in the country, 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 said.

He noted that the Sector Skills Council(SSC) would be among other benefits that would bring about increase in opportunities for all individuals in the workforce.

He added that SSC also stands to create a Labour Market Information System (LMIS) that would assist planning and delivery of training and thus, achieve improved and enhanced productivity.

According to the Director General, the inauguration would be performed by the Honourable Minster of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed under the strict observance of the Covid-19 non-pharmaceutical guidelines and protocols.

Kangiwa added that participation of stakeholders of the industry in the event would be via zoom meeting.