The Federal Government has warned hotel owners and managers across Nigeria against allowing their facilities to be used for illegal activities as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, issued the warning at the JAGZ Hospitality Conference 2026 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
He called on operators in the hospitality industry to strengthen security measures, comply with relevant regulations and cooperate with security agencies to protect their establishments from criminal exploitation.
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, said hotels had an important role to play in maintaining security during the electoral period.
He stressed the need for accurate records of guests and effective information management, noting that cooperation between hotel operators and relevant authorities could help address security concerns as political activities increase ahead of the polls.
The conference, held under the theme, “The Hotel at the Centre: Money, Elections, Security,” brought together government officials, security personnel, regulatory authorities and hospitality professionals to discuss the responsibilities of hotel operators amid emerging security and financial challenges.
Fagbemi also called for professionalism, political neutrality and closer collaboration between the hospitality sector and government institutions.
His message came as hotels are expected to accommodate politicians, campaign organisations, journalists, business representatives and other visitors during the 2027 electioneering period.
The convener of the conference and Group Managing Director of Charis Ultimo Hotels Limited, Lugard Agbomoagan, said the hospitality industry had grown beyond providing accommodation to become an important part of international tourism, foreign investment, cross-border transactions and regional business activities.
He said the increasing connection between hotels, financial transactions and political activities made it necessary for operators to understand their legal obligations and security responsibilities.
“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,” Agbomoagan said.
He explained that hotel managers needed to understand how to protect their guests and employees while meeting financial and regulatory requirements.
He added that operators must also know how to respond when suspicious activities or security concerns arise within their premises.
“In an increasingly connected world, hotel operators must also understand the legal and operational realities that arise when guests, businesses, payments and transactions cross borders,” he said.
Agbomoagan noted that the approaching electoral season would bring additional responsibilities for hotels because of the expected presence of political figures, campaign teams, media organisations and security personnel.
He urged operators to assess their security arrangements before the election period begins rather than wait until problems emerge.
“As we approach the 2027 electoral cycle, this conversation becomes even more relevant. So we must ask ourselves now: Are our hotels prepared? This is why we have deliberately brought together people who see these issues from different perspectives,” he said.
The conference convener also highlighted the security measures adopted by The JAGZ Hotel to monitor activities within its premises.
He said the facility operated a dedicated Surveillance Unit where personnel watched CCTV footage continuously to identify unusual activities and respond to incidents.
“We do not just have CCTV cameras at The JAGZ Hotel. We have a department called the Surveillance Unit, where personnel monitor the CCTV feeds and observe what is going on around the hotel every single second,” he said.
