The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria has commended the management of Eko Hotels and Suites and The Wheatbaker Hotel for their longstanding support, collaboration and contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Speaking during courtesy visits to both hotels in Lagos, FTAN President, Dr Aliyu Badaki, praised the institutions for their partnerships with the federation and their commitment to industry development.
At Eko Hotels and Suites, Badaki congratulated the management on the hotel’s recent 50th anniversary celebration, describing the milestone as a remarkable achievement.
“We celebrate with you because it is an achievement worth celebrating. It was a huge success, and we are happy to be part of the celebration. We rejoice with you and hope that Eko Hotel will keep flying,” he said.
The FTAN president also commended the hotel’s investments in safety and security, noting that the federation had previously recognised Eko Hotels with an award for excellence in that area.
According to him, the hotel has made significant investments in fire safety equipment, staff training and infrastructure, setting a benchmark within the Nigerian hospitality industry.
“To the best of our knowledge, you assisted Lagos State in the area of firefighting. The kind of equipment you have, the training you provide for your staff and the level of investment you have made in infrastructure and capacity building are commendable,” Badaki said.
He added that FTAN, as the umbrella body representing private-sector tourism associations in Nigeria, remains committed to protecting the interests of its members and advocating for policies that support business growth.
“What we do as the umbrella body of all private associations involved in tourism businesses in Nigeria is to align with our members, investors, associations and hotels like Eko Hotel,” he said.
Badaki further highlighted the federation’s ongoing engagement with government agencies on issues affecting the industry, including regulatory matters and business protection.
“We are with you in whatever case that will benefit you, the business you are doing and other members. We wish you well and hope that the collaboration we have enjoyed will continue,” he added.
Responding, the Managing Director of Eko Hotels and Suites, Mr Ghassan Faddoul, expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the hotel’s commitment to supporting the growth of the hospitality industry.
Faddoul stressed the importance of government support for private-sector investment, noting that tourism and hospitality can make significant contributions to national economic growth when properly supported.
“If any government supports the private sector in achieving its goals, the private sector will work alongside the government in pushing the industry forward,” he said.
He explained that Eko Hotels has undergone significant expansion over the years.
According to him, when the current owners took over management, the hotel had about 300 employees and only 150 operational rooms available for guests.
Today, he said, the property has grown to 824 rooms and employs approximately 1,500 staff members.
“You can imagine how our operation has created jobs, both direct and indirect. We have a 10-megawatt power plant and are essentially managing a mini city. The benefits extend to suppliers, contractors and the wider economy,” Faddoul stated.
He added that the hotel has expanded its food and beverage operations from just a few restaurants to more than ten outlets, further strengthening its supply chain and employment opportunities.
“We are investing in the property and in our human capital because we believe in maintaining international hospitality standards with African hospitality,” he said.
During a separate visit to The Wheatbaker Hotel, Badaki reiterated the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry.
He noted that FTAN remains focused on protecting members’ interests and creating a conducive business environment through sustained engagement with government and relevant agencies.
“We have been doing that very well. We are having robust engagements with government and other agencies to ensure that proper policies are implemented to promote our businesses,” he said.
Welcoming the delegation, the General Manager of The Wheatbaker Hotel, Mr Paul Kavanagh, expressed support for closer collaboration with FTAN and the broader tourism sector.
Kavanagh said the hotel remains open to partnerships and support initiatives whenever opportunities arise.
He also highlighted the hotel’s contributions through various corporate social responsibility programmes, many of which have not been publicly promoted.
The general manager disclosed that plans are underway for a major hospitality project aimed at redefining luxury accommodation standards in West Africa.
“Currently, I am tasked by my owners to build the greatest hotel this part of Africa, including the whole of West Africa, has ever seen,” Kavanagh said.
“We are not building another hotel or a few rooms. We are building something that government, organisations and competitors will marvel at.”
He expressed confidence that the project would demonstrate that world-class hospitality developments are achievable in Nigeria despite prevailing industry challenges.
Industry stakeholders believe stronger partnerships between hospitality operators, tourism associations and policymakers will be crucial to unlocking the sector’s full economic potential and positioning Nigeria as a leading tourism destination in Africa.
