Arrangements are currently underway by both the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and the Institute of Hospitality to embark on programs and activities that would further develop the sector.

In a meeting with the President of the Chamber, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, CON., SAN, held at the secretariat, it was emphasised that there are several areas in the sector which needs to be developed and made much more vibrant across the value chain areas.

In his speech, the Chief Executive of the global body, Peter Ducker said he was proud of the internal developments in the sector in Nigeria in particular and the rest of African countries in general.

He however pointed out that more key areas and emerging trends have to be refocused in order to reposition the sector and set it on the pedestal consequent upon which optimum performance would be assured.

Ducker expressed satisfaction with the level of structural and organisational changes that have been brought to bear on the chamber since the current Exco of the organisation was inaugurated in January this year.

While responding to the delegation of four, Prince Kayode said there are several opportunities build around the value chains in the sector that have not been properly harnessed due a declined capacity.

He emphasised that, the chamber through its Business Entrepreneurial Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre is willing and capable of embarking on training and programs that would add impetus into the area as well as move it from a position that will make the sector enviable.

“I am aware of the opportunities, prospects and challenges of this sector. When I was a Minister of Culture and Tourism, I made good efforts to reposition it. Part of my concern is to ensure that this sector is repositioned. We have carefully designed training programs in that area”, Prince Adetokunbo said.

The Provost of BEST, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba who welcomed the team said they were in the right place at right time.

Earlier in his presentation, Mr. Adedayo Adesugba, the Honourary Chairman of Institute of Hospitality, Nigeria said the gaps identified in the course of doing the business is what has prompted them to contact BESST to roll out training activities around them in order to successfully navigate out of same.

He informed that, the calibre of people recruited to form the resource base for the training will surely lead to a refocused hospitality sector.

Kehinde Daniel of KOTS Catering services and Director of Development with Finn Builder, a high profile hospitality outfit was also in attendance.