The Federal Government has urged hotel operators in Nigeria to maintain neutrality and professionalism as the country approaches the 2027 electoral cycle. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, made this known in his keynote address at the second edition of the JAGZ Hospitality Conference in Ibadan. Fagbemi emphasized the vital role of the hospitality sector in ensuring peace and security during and after elections.
Fagbemi's keynote address was delivered through Fernandez Marcus-Obiene, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Justice Sector Reform and ICT/Digital and Innovative Technology. The Attorney-General stressed that hotel management nationwide must guard against their facilities being used for unlawful activities. He also urged hotel operators to assist relevant security agencies by providing necessary information about people or groups of persons using their facilities.
The conference convener and Group Managing Director of Charis Ultimo Hotels Limited, Lugard Agbomoagan, noted that the hospitality industry had evolved beyond providing accommodation to becoming a major meeting point for business transactions, investments, tourism, politics and cross-border activities. Agbomoagan said it was imperative for hotel operators to understand their legal, financial, security and regulatory responsibilities, particularly as hotels would inevitably host politicians, campaign teams, journalists, business executives and large gatherings during the 2027 electoral cycle.
Agbomoagan disclosed that his hotel, JAGZ, had put measures in place to prevent its facilities from being used for illicit financial transactions or electoral offences. He stated that the hotel's employees were regularly trained on regulatory and security requirements. The hotel has an in-house legal practitioner to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering regulations and other regulatory directives.
The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, highlighted security vulnerabilities associated with hotels and their guests during political and electioneering periods. Olugbenga urged hotel operators to maintain a high level of professionalism and political neutrality, stressing that hospitality facilities should not give preferential treatment to any political party.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, noted that the expansion of the hospitality sector in Oyo State reflected the economic transformation witnessed in the state under Governor Seyi Makinde's administration. He expressed concern over inadequate cooperation from some hotel operators with the state government in providing data required for effective planning and expansion of the state's tax base.
The success of the conference would ultimately be measured by the ability of participants to improve security, strengthen regulatory compliance, protect guests, cooperate appropriately with authorities, and manage domestic and cross-border business relationships. Key points from the conference include the need for hotel operators to maintain neutrality and professionalism ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle, and for them to understand their legal, financial, security and regulatory responsibilities.
Key points
- Hotel operators must guard against their facilities being used for unlawful activities.
- The hospitality sector plays a vital role in ensuring peace and security during and after elections.
- Hotel operators must maintain a high level of professionalism and political neutrality.
