Eniola Yekini
The Federal Government has warned hotel owners and managers against allowing their facilities to be used for illegal activities as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, gave the warning at the JAGZ Hospitality Conference 2026 held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Fagbemi, who was represented by the Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Justice Sector Reform and ICT/Digital and Innovative Technology, Fernandez Marcus-Obiene, urged operators in the hospitality sector to strengthen security, keep accurate guest records and comply with regulations.
He said hotels have a critical role in maintaining security during the election period and must cooperate with security agencies to prevent criminal exploitation.
The conference, themed “The Hotel at the Centre: Money, Elections, Security,” brought together government officials, security agencies, regulators and hospitality professionals to discuss the responsibilities of hotel operators amid rising security and financial risks.
Fagbemi called for professionalism, political neutrality and closer collaboration between the hospitality industry and government institutions, noting that hotels will host politicians, campaign teams, journalists and other visitors during the electioneering period.
Convener of the conference and Group Managing Director of Charis Ultimo Hotels Limited, Lugard Agbomoagan, said hospitality has grown beyond accommodation to become part of international tourism, foreign investment and cross-border business.
“Our central question is simple: When money, politics, security and cross-border business enter the hotel, who guides the hotelier? We are not here to portray hotels as places of danger or suspicion. We are here because responsible hospitality requires preparedness, professionalism and compliance,” he said.
Agbomoagan said operators must understand their legal obligations, how to protect guests and staff, and how to respond to suspicious activities.
“As we approach the 2027 electoral cycle, this conversation becomes even more relevant. So we must ask ourselves now: Are our hotels prepared?” he said, urging hoteliers to review security arrangements ahead of the polls.
He added that The JAGZ Hotel operates a dedicated Surveillance Unit that monitors CCTV feeds round the clock to detect unusual activities.