Lagos hoteliers win in court: ₦10 million (about $7,500) in damages, and an end to the raids

For Lagos hotel owners, the judgment landed like a deep breath. Nigeria's Federal High Court ruled that the federal tourism institute NIHOTOUR had overstepped the constitution by trying to register, certify and levy fees on hotels that Lagos State already licenses — and ordered it to refund money collected during its enforcement drives, pay ₦10 million (about $7,500) in damages, and stop the forceful enforcement for good. Hotel Owners and Managers Association president Samuel Alabi was clear that the fight was never against training or standards — it was about who the constitution says holds the power. The ruling draws a bright line: agencies must act within their authority, and businesses can insist on it in court.

SDG 16 · Peace, justice and strong institutions — Mechanism: legal ruling