FG, firm partner on 7-star project in Abuja

The Federal Government has expressed readiness to partner with Delborough Hotel Management to develop a 7-star luxury hotel at the Arts Village in Abuja, as part of efforts to boost tourism and diversify the economy. The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja […]

The Federal Government has expressed readiness to partner with Delborough Hotel Management to develop a 7-star luxury hotel at the Arts Village in Abuja, as part of efforts to boost tourism and diversify the economy.

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the hotel’s management, ahead of the signing of a lease agreement with the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC).

Musawa said the initiative aligns with the economic diversification drive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that tourism remains a critical sector for growth.

She said:

“This is a fantastic day, not only for the ministry, I think for Nigeria. From the very beginning, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came on board, he made it very clear that he wanted to diversify. We are a growing population… we have to diversify. One of the areas that we felt was key… is the tourism industry.”

Highlighting the importance of infrastructure in the nation’s capital, the minister added:

“As much as we want to talk about tourism in Nigeria, if we do not provide the infrastructure in the capital city… you have not even started a conversation of tourism.”

Musawa described her experience at the Lagos-based Delborough Hotel as comparable to global standards, stating:

“Honestly, for those who have not been there, it is a great experience… it’s almost like being teleported to a hotel… in Dubai. There is no difference with being in the Delborough Hotel in Nigeria and being in a seven star hotel in Dubai… or any of the key cities in the world.”

She emphasized the importance of promoting indigenous brands, noting:

“To be able to take a Nigerian brand, mix it with culture, mix it with tourism… it was a given for us… to take an international brand that is Nigerian in and of itself, and then export it internationally.”

The minister further stressed the need to establish the brand locally before expanding globally:

“It’s a seven-star hotel in Lagos. You’ve not brought it into Abuja, but you want to export it… we have to take ownership of our own brand.”

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, she said:

“We are committed to ensuring that Delborough does not only have the commitment and partnership of the federal government… we want to take ownership of whatever this means as an expression of Nigeria.”

She added that the project is nearing formalisation:

“Hopefully, within the next few days, we will cross the T’s and dot the I’s to ensure that we put this in the proper manner, so that this thing can be sustainable… for tourism, for Nigeria, for the Renewed Hope Agenda and for every single Nigerian.”

Also speaking, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Delborough Hotel, Stanley Uzochukwu, said the project would enhance tourism and stimulate economic activity.

He said the hotel would not only attract visitors but also create jobs and support business growth, adding that his team is ready to collaborate with the federal government on the Abuja project.

According to him, the partnership marks a significant step toward expanding the brand’s footprint while contributing to national development.

Blueprint reports that since its inauguration in late 2023, the Delborough Hotel has attracted high-profile guests, including over 16 presidents and top investors.