From next year, any guest wanting to lodge in any hotel within Sokoto will
be required to have a valid identification card, Governor Aminu Waziri
Tambuwal, has said.
He said this new directive becomes necessary in view of the precarious
security situation in the country and the need to bolster same for the
protection of lives and property in the state.
The Governor, who spoke when his classmates from his secondary school paid
him a visit at his residence in Sokoto, said the new policy, which he said
is a standard procedure in all parts of the world, will affect both
Nigerians and foreigners.
He said the implementation is delayed until next year in order to
sensitise hotel owners, security agencies and the general public on the
new policy.
“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 the
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,” Tambuwal
added.
While urging all citizens of Sokoto to be security conscious, Tambuwal
appealed to the people not to relent in their cooperation with security
agencies, adding that responsibility for securing the state lies with all
persons.
He commended the Federal Government for the proactive measure adopted to
contain insurgency in the country.