By Janefrances Chibuzor
Hotelier says banditry forced closure of one of three family-owned hotels.
Multiple taxation and rising energy costs threaten survival of hospitality businesses.
Calls for improved security and business-friendly policies to revive tourism investment.
The Vice President Northwest of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), El Kabir Danfulani has expressed concern over the severe impact of insecurity and multiple taxation on tourism and hospitality businesses in northern Nigeria, revealing that one of his hotels was forced to shut down due to banditry and poor patronage.
Speaking during Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition, and Annual General Meeting in Abuja, said the gathering provided stakeholders with an opportunity to review challenges facing the sector and chart a way forward.
The Vice President said the participants had fruitful deliberations and would work towards implementing the resolutions reached during the NTIFE.
El Kabir Danfulani is also a member of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria HATMAN,
He is also the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Shehu Danfulani Investment Limited, said his family-owned company, operates three hotels across Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara states, in addition to other business interests.
He disclosed that insecurity had significantly affected operations, forcing the closure of one of the hotels located in a remote area because guests could no longer access the facility safely.
According to him, the high cost of electricity, with businesses relying almost entirely on diesel-powered generators, has further worsened the situation.
“We are using income from one business to sustain another, and it has not been sustainable at all,” he said.
On expectations from government, he expressed disappointment over what he described as inadequate support for the hospitality and tourism industry.
He criticised the burden of multiple taxation by local, state and federal governments, arguing that businesses that create jobs should be encouraged rather than overtaxed.
“As employers of labour, we are helping to reduce unemployment, but instead of support, we face numerous taxes and an unconducive business environment,” he said.
He called for policies that would improve security, reduce the tax burden on businesses and create an enabling environment for investment in tourism and hospitality across the country.
