By Aluta News
Oct. 23, 2021
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) says the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Institute and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is aimed at closing the existing data-gap in the industry.
The Director- General of NIHOTOUR, Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, said this in Abuja on Friday, in a statement by Ahmed Sule, Director Media and Publicity of the agency.
Kangiwa noted that such MOU would further deepen statistical development of sectoral databank necessary for planning within the sector.
He further observed that Statistics were critical to national planning, sound policy development and informed business decisions hence the signing of the MOU with NBS
According to him, research is an integral part of NIHOTOUR’s mandate, it becomes imperative to seek partnership with NBS.
“NBS is an exclusive agency in verifying, approving, administering and publishing basic national statistical data for national economic and social development.
“NIHOTOUR has to effectively carry out its mandate as a research and allied institution saddled, with the responsibility of training of manpower needed in the Hospitality and Tourism industry.
“NIHOTOUR being Coordinator of the Sector Skill Council in Nigeria, the Institute has established a vibrant Research and Development Unit to conduct industry-based research and generate data for the use of the industry,” he said.
Kangiwa also noted that partnership with NBS would fast-track the duties and functions of the Unit.
The NIHOTOUR boss expressed his appreciation for the positive response and prompt action of the Bureau, in ensuring a comprehensive package of the MOU.
Kangiwa called for better synergy, cooperation and understanding in the successful implementation of the agreement for the benefit of the two agencies.
He added that such synergy, Cooperation and understanding should be experienced particularly in the discharge of their mandates, and for the socio-economic benefits of the country in general.
In his remarks, Statistician General of the Federation, Dr Simon Harry, reiterated the relevance of data in policy formulation and implementation for national growth and development.
He assured NIHOTOUR that NBS was prepared to work assiduously, in its efforts at addressing the dearth of accurate data in the nation’s hospitality and tourism industry.
Harry observed that the absence of accurate data had been the bane for the abysmal performance of sectoral industrial growth and development.
He further noted that figures and information gathered could not be said to be usable data, until they were found to be accurate, verifiable, accessible and available for user needs.
Harry added that such was essentially what the Bureau intended to achieve for all sectors of the country.
He stated that the partnership between the Bureau and NIHOTOUR was a welcome development.
He added that he looked forward to partner with other Ministries, Agencies and Departments in the public sector, as well as the Organised Private Sector for the general and overall growth and development of the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Management staff of both agencies, who witnessed the signing ceremony of the MOU, expressed happiness for the synergy.
“It will improve Inter-Ministerial, Department and Agency relations of the public sector of the country”.
NAN