Unlock Nigeria’s Hospitality Potential
Nigeria’s hospitality industry holds enormous potential to drive tourism, create jobs and diversify the economy, but poor infrastructure, inconsistent policies and multiple taxation continue to constrain its growth. Convener of Hotel Managers Conference Africa, Olugbenga Sunday, outlines reforms needed to transform the sector into a major economic powerhouse. Charles Ajunwa brings excerpts
How do you handle the issue of capacity building in the sector?
We found out that within our sector, one important thing is the people, because it’s all about service. How do we handle our guests? So capacity is key to the success of our business, from the gates, to being a porter, to receptionist, to an housekeeper, because everything we do directly affects the service we offer our guests. Most of these things, they ask you with skills. Just to set a table for dinner, requires skills. To even wrap toothpicks require skill and so on. So, we don’t joke with skills, because it’s people-driven. So, we know that when we invest in their capacity, they will deliver better.
What role should government play in the hospitality sector?
