Hospitality professional, Mr Francis Ogosi, has identified the importance of strategic planning and collaboration among stakeholders in the hospitality value chain as key factor for sustainable growth in the Nigeria and Africa hospitality space.
Ogosi, Hospitality Manager at Glocient Hospitality, who disclosed this in a panel session at the 2025 Hospitality Enterprise Network(HEN) titled ‘Risk, Reward, and Reality: Is Hospitality Still a Smart Investment?’, provided practical insights into the opportunities and challenges facing the sector, particularly in Nigeria’s remote areas.
Glocient Hospitality is the management and development company behind Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Center in Ekiti State, which has been voted the best holiday resort in Nigeria for two consecutive years.
Mr. Ogosi highlighted security challenges and the rising cost of operations as two significant risks that investors must thoughtfully assess when considering hospitality projects in Nigeria.
He stressed that while the market holds great promise, success requires thorough groundwork. Investors must conduct comprehensive feasibility studies, prepare accurate pre-opening budgets, and develop a clear understanding of the Nigerian business landscape before launching new projects.
‘Although hospitality in Nigeria presents an attractive opportunity, success hinges on preparation and local awareness. Investors need to conduct their research, budget carefully, and acknowledge the operational realities on the ground. With the right approach, the rewards can be substantial,’ Ogosi stated.
He further emphasized that hospitality investment in Nigeria requires a blend of resilience, adaptability, and a long-term strategy. Despite the noticeable risks, Mr. Ogosi pointed out that the sector continues to show strong growth potential, fueled by business tourism, leisure travel, domestic tourism, and increasing demand for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
The session offered valuable perspectives for investors, operators, and policymakers navigating Nigeria’s evolving tourism and hospitality market. It underscored the importance of strategic planning, sustainability, and collaboration as the sector positions itself for long-term growth.
The HEN 2025 Conference rallied leading figures in the hospitality and tourism industry recently in Lagos (to discuss the future of investment across Africa’s emerging markets.
The event featured product sales, experiential marketing, industry insights, business-to-business customers (B2BC), collaborations, brand exposure, networking, exhibitions, conferences, and panel sessions addressing key issues affecting the industry.