The path toward robust hospitality growth in Nigeria depends heavily on establishing a transparent tourism regulatory framework and consistent policies. Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, recently emphasised that progress in the South West hotel industry requires stronger synergy between state authorities and private operators.
Speaking at the 5th Biennial Annual General Meeting of the South West Hoteliers Association in Ado-Ekiti, Ojo-Lanre argued that an unpredictable environment stifles the very potential the region seeks to unlock.
Creating a Stable Policy Environment
Addressing the assembly, Ojo-Lanre described the event’s theme as both timely and strategic. He noted that the sector cannot flourish amidst policy confusion or arbitrary enforcement. “No sector grows sustainably in confusion. No investor commits serious capital where policy is unstable. Hospitality requires order. Tourism requires confidence. Investment requires predictability. Growth requires partnership,” he stated.
Under the leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Ekiti State has taken proactive steps to formalise this vision. By implementing the Ekiti State Hospitality Law of 2022 and a comprehensive Tourism Development Master Plan, the state is creating a blueprint for others to follow. These documents serve as working instruments to attract investment and position the state as a serious competitor in the national tourism market.
The Vital Role of the South West Hotel Industry
The South West remains one of the country’s richest cultural and historical belts. However, Ojo-Lanre warned that attractions alone—such as the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort or the Arinta Waterfall—are insufficient without a high-quality support system. He famously described the hospitality sector as “the living room of tourism.”
While natural beauty draws a traveller in, the quality of their hotel stay determines whether they return or recommend the destination to others. Ojo-Lanre cautioned against the dangers of poor service standards.
“A visitor who has a poor hotel experience may not say, ‘That hotel failed me.’ He may say, ‘Ekiti failed me.’ He may say, ‘The South West failed me.’ That is why service excellence must be taken seriously,” he said.
A Call for Collaborative Governance
Achieving long-term prosperity requires moving beyond government monologues. The DG highlighted that Ekiti’s current approach is built on dialogue and shared responsibility. By involving association members in the drafting of tourism policies, the state has fostered a culture of trust.
Ojo-Lanre acknowledged that the industry faces significant hurdles, including rising energy costs and limited access to finance. Yet, he insisted these are surmountable through joint efforts. He urged hoteliers to prioritise professional standards and compliance, while simultaneously calling on government bodies to provide the infrastructure and incentives necessary for success.
Ultimately, the goal is to transform the South West into a region where tourism is not just a secondary activity, but a primary driver of the local economy. Ojo-Lanre concluded his address with a clear vision: “When government and operators sit together to shape the future of the sector, compliance becomes easier, trust becomes stronger and growth becomes more achievable.”
