Gov. Aminu Tambuwal has directed that from next year, any guest wishing to lodge in a hotel in Sokoto must present a valid identification card for security purposes.
The governor said that the directive became necessary due to Nigeria’s insecurity challenges and the need to protect lives and property in the state.
The Governor, who spoke when his secondary school classmates visited him at his residence in Sokoto, said the new policy, which he said is a standard procedure in all parts of the world, would affect both Nigerians and foreigners.
On why he is not implementing the policy straightaway, the governor said that he wants to give hotel owners, security agencies and the general public some time to be adequately sensitised.
“In other parts of the world, you cannot just go and lodge in any hotel without valid identification. However, this is not the case in Nigeria. We are introducing this policy as part of our commitment to security of citizens.
“Sokoto has enjoyed peace but we will not relent on our oars, we will continue to do more to support our security agencies.
“If you are a foreigner, you must present your international passport with a valid Nigerian visa. If you are a Nigerian, the hotels will demand one of drivers’ licence, international passport or National ID Card,” Mr. Tambuwal said.
