The President of Hotel Owners Forum Abuja (HOFA), Mrs. Funmi Kazeem, has called on the Federal government to address the challenges faced by the hospitality industry with the utmost attention.
Mrs. Kazeem made the appeal at the weekend, specifically urging the regulatory authorities to reconsider the 300 percent tariff increase for Band A customers.
She said the concerned authorities should adopt a friendly approach to achieving alternative solutions that could correspond to the need for revenue generation, in response to the economic situation of the country.
“This is not the right time to introduce a tariff increment, as the Nigerian economy has been hit by the effects of subsidy removal and high rising inflation.”
According to her, rather than an increase in tariff, the Federal government and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) should support businesses to survive by rolling out palliatives, which will enhance the high standards expected in the hospitality industry.
She added that such a move would foster tourism, adding: “Any tariff increment at this time will bring untold hardship on the already struggling businesses and many will lose their jobs with the resultant consequences ranging from insecurity, among others.”
While calling for synergy between the public and private sectors, Mrs. Kazeem said they should be empowered with necessary programmes and activities, to enable them be at par with their counterpart in the global tourism expo through the government’s deliberate arrangements.
“We stand ready to engage with government officials, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders to develop holistic strategies that prioritise the long-term viability of our establishments and safeguard our contributions to federal capital territory and Nigeria at large,” she maintained.
