Hotels risk shutdown for lodging criminals, association warns

The Nigeria Hotel Association has cautioned its members nationwide against accommodating criminals in their facilities.

The National President of the association, Patrick Anyanwu, gave the warning on Thursday while speaking with journalists in Owerri, Imo State, during a meeting with national executives and state chairmen.

He said any hotelier found harbouring criminals, including internet fraud suspects, would face consequences.

“Any hotelier caught harbouring criminals or ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ boys will have themselves to blame. The association believes in a standard operating system that adheres to the dictates of the industry,” he said.

Anyanwu urged members to comply with regulations guiding the hospitality industry, noting that adherence to standards would help protect the sector.

“The tourism and hospitality sector remains one of the most important drivers of economic growth in Nigeria.

“The hotels and hospitality sector in Nigeria is one of the largest employers of labour in the country today.

“We create jobs and accommodate visitors from all over the world,” he added.

He also called on hotel owners and operators to register with the association at both the state and national levels.

The NHA president said unregistered hotels could face sanctions, including possible closure, as part of efforts to regulate the industry.

“We will use security when the time comes to make this work. In the near future, hotels that refuse to register with the association will face penalties.

“Such hotels may even risk being shut down as part of efforts to sanitise the industry. We cannot continue to allow any hotel that is not registered to operate and damage the reputation of our association,” he added.

Anyanwu, however, called on governments at all levels to support the association, citing the sector’s role in job creation and revenue generation.

He urged authorities to provide interventions such as grants and strengthen collaboration with the association.

The NHA president also said the association would resist any form of harassment or intimidation of its members by agencies.

Earlier, he commended the Imo State Government for its efforts in promoting tourism and supporting hospitality businesses.

The meeting brought together national leaders and state chairmen of the association from the six geopolitical zones to discuss issues affecting the hospitality sector.