Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has said any guest without valid identification cards (ID) will not be checked into hotels in the state as from January, 2016.

Tambuwal made the statement in Sokoto on Monday at the inauguration of a four-star hotel, called Hotel Taraka International.

“This new policy which mandates all guests in all hotels across the state to present valid ID cards before they are checked in will come into effect from January, 2016.”

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Industries and Tourism, Alhaji Aminu Bello, urged “all hoteliers in the state to cooperate with government and other security agencies.

“The policy became imperative in view of the prevailing security situation across the state as nothing should be left to chance.

“All guests coming into the state and other residents across the state should bear with the new policy as it is aimed at further enhancing the security of lives and property.”

He urged the people of the state and other wealthy individuals to continue to invest in the tourism sector to boost the business environment in the state.

The proprietor of the hotel, Mr John Anya, said that the gesture was aimed at broadening the hospitality landscape in the state. (NAN)