IGP, NTDC collaborate to enforce hotel registration and security

The acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr. Mohammad Abubakar, has directed all proprietors and operators of hospitality centres to duly register with the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation else they will be deemed to be operating illegally and liable to prosecution.Handing down this warning at a joint news conference in Abuja, the IG said all commissioners of police have been directed to enforce the order.The IGP further stated at the joint news conference with the Director-General of the NTDC, Chief Olusegun Runsewe, that his directive is in line with the act that established the NTDC.In his words, 'let me state that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to the enforcement of all laws and will work with the NTDC to ensure the enforcement of this regulation at the federal, state and local government levels.'Alhaji Mohammad's directive followed the need by NTDC to develop a reliable database of all hotels operating in Nigeria through which the relevant security agencies could effect the necessary surveillance on hotels and other tourist destinations in the effort at ridding them of criminals.According to him, 'The tourism industry is highly sensitive and cannot be developed or promoted in an environment where security is not guaranteed. On the other hand however, tourism facilities such as hotels, guest houses, parks and recreational centres have of late, become sources of security concerns as they have become targets of attacks with the possibility of also being misused by unscrupulous elements and hostile interests of espionage, subversive terrorist and other unwholesome activities'When asked what would happen to one or two states that have refused registration exercise in their domain, the I.G said the news conference was meant to address the issue adding that the law would take its course on such recalcitrant states.Responding, the DG of NTDC Otunba Runsewe specially thanked the IG for the new wind blowing in the country saying Nigerians are now becoming confident in the Force. He noted that with the new IG, a new chapter is been opened in the drive towards national security and tourism developmentHe solicited the support of all in the quest to rid the society of crime advising hotels to always employ the services of trained security personnel as staff in their outfits while enjoining people to always furnish the police with relevant information.The news conference was attended by about 40 top-ranking officers including 20 commissioners of police.
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