By Bisola Adeyemo
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has finalized the arrangements for the inauguration of Governing Board of the Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSCCN).
The inauguration is in line with the institution mandate as a regulatory body for professional training, practices and certification in the sector.
Speaking with the Institute media crew at NIHOTOUR secretariat, Director-General of NIHOTOUR Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa said the inauguration of the council Governing Board became imperative to enable the council to commence the discharge of its duties and responsibilities in piloting the growth and development of the hospitality and tourism industry of the country via capacity building and professional skill development in line with the demand needs of the industry as empowered by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and approved and directed by the National Executive Council.
Kangiwa explained that the council’s roles and responsibilities are stipulated to carry out employer-led engagements that take cognizance of the active involvement and participation of the organized private sector in the industry comprising of trade unions, professional bodies, skills and workforce development institutions, as well as critical stakeholders, is expected to influence training needs and delivery in the country and posited that this will go a long way in reducing demand skills gaps and manpower the shortage that has been the bane of development in the sector.
He noted that the HTSCCN would also among other benefits bring about an increase in opportunities for all individuals in the workforce as well as create a Labour Market Information System (LMIS) that will assist the planning and delivery of training and thus, achieve improved and enhanced productivity.
Daily times gathered that the inauguration which is scheduled to hold on Thursday at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja on Thursday 25th March 2021, will be performed by the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed under the strict observance of the Covid-19 protocols, adding that participation of stakeholders of the industry in the event will be via zoom meeting.
