'Nigeria's hospitality industry positioned for global dominance'

Stakeholders at the 8th International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF) held in Abuja on Friday expressed optimism that Nigeria’s hospitality industry can become a major player in the global market with the right investment and development.

This sentiment was echoed by industry experts, including Karl Hala, Group General Manager of Continental Hotels, and Chibuikem Diala, Executive Director of IHTEF Africa.

According to Diala, Nigeria’s hospitality sector has seen significant development in recent years, with new properties and luxurious hotels emerging in cities like Abuja.

“The sector’s growth potential is substantial, driven by a surge in domestic tourism and increasing business travel. However, Diala identified challenges facing the sector, including human capital development, regulation, and funding”, he said.

Diala estimated that the value of the hospitality market in Nigeria is significant, running into multi-billions of dollars. With the right investment and management, the sector can unlock new opportunities for growth and success. Industry experts agree that Nigeria’s hospitality industry is an attractive investment destination, with potential for high returns

Hala emphasised the importance of training and mentoring young Nigerians to provide exceptional service and leadership in the hospitality industry.

He suggested key initiatives to support the development of world-class hospitality talent, including: Mentorship Programmes: Pairing young professionals with experienced industry experts, Training Academies: Providing comprehensive training in hospitality skills, Skill Acceleration Programs: Enhancing skills and knowledge in specific areas.

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Meanwhile, the 2025 Hotel Chain Development Pipelines in Africa has ranked Nigeria in 3rd place with 48 hotels and 7,320 rooms. This ranking underscores the country’s potential for growth in the hospitality sector.

Egypt and Morocco currently lead the ranking with 143 hotels and 58 hotels, respectively

Trevor Ward, Managing Director of Hospitality Group, highlighted trends, gaps, and growth drivers in the African hotel industry.

He noted that Nigeria’s hospitality industry has significant potential for growth, driven by increasing demand for hotel rooms and tourism infrastructure.

“Nigeria’s hospitality industry is poised for global dominance, driven by growth in domestic tourism, increasing business travel, and investment opportunities”

“With the right development and management, the sector can unlock its full potential and become a major player in the global market”, he said.

Ruth Tene Natsa

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet. An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.