To guarantee optimum security, the Sokoto state government has announced that all hotels in the state will no longer accommodate guests without a valid identification card.

This directive from the state government is expected to take effect from January 2016.

Governor of the state, Aminu Tambuwal issued a statement to this effect on Monday at the inauguration of a four-star hotel, 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,” he explained.

Tambuwal, who was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Industries and Tourism, Aminu Bello, urged all hotel owners to cooperate with government and all security agencies in implementing this new directive.

“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 said.