Hospitality stakeholders on Thursday converged in Ibadan for the Jagz Hospitality Conference 2.0 to address envisaged security challenges in hotels ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The conference, with the theme “The Hotel, at the Centre”, was organised to strengthen industry collaboration with security agencies and safeguard customers.
Mrs Toyin Ehindero-Benson, Zonal Coordinator, Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), charged hoteliers to guard against money laundering and other financial crimes.
Ehindero-Benson called for minimisation of cash transactions and third-party payments. “Ensure that payment is consistent with customer profiles,” she said.
She said the EFCC no longer raids hotels indiscriminately but now works in synergy with relevant authorities.
“We now work closely with compliance officers in terms of communication and intelligence sharing,” she said.
She urged hoteliers to report all transactions above N5 million for individuals and N10 million for corporate organisations.
The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Oyo State, Olugbenga Abimbola, called for more cooperation between hoteliers and security agencies, particularly the police.
Abimbola said the police do not raid hotels without a mission.“When we come, it is for a purpose,” he said.
He charged hoteliers to ensure controlled access to their facilities, including parking lots. “Parking spaces must be well monitored with constantly working CCTV cameras,” he said.
The CP advised hotel managers to conduct proper background checks on applicants before offering employment.
Mr Lugard Agbomoagan, Group Managing Director, Jagz Africa/Jagz Hotels, Ibadan, said the conference was important to pre-empt security breaches during the electioneering period.“We are aware that during this period of electioneering, a lot will be going on, including security issues and associated activities.
“Every member of staff of the hotel is well-informed and well-prepared on what to do.
“We even have an in-house legal practitioner to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering regulations and other regulatory directives.
“I am a lawyer myself, so I understand what could happen during this period.
“I can tell you authoritatively that we cannot be used for any illicit transactions, electoral offences or vices,” Agbomoagan said.
He said his hotel has cooperated with law enforcement agencies and the state government to prevent security breaches in hotels, before, during and after the elections.
Mr Lanre Balogun, General Manager, Glocient Hospitality, said hotels contribute to national security through employment generation.
Balogun, whose outfit manages Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, Ikogosi-Ekiti, said hoteliers impact the nation’s socio-economic landscape through revenue generation.“Hoteliers are industry leaders in Nigeria,” he said.
Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, urged hotel operators to cooperate with government on tax compliance.
