Edith CHUKU
The Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, has commended the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board NCDMB, over the signing of the international management agreement IMA, with Radisson Hospitality Belgium, and Edison Hotel and Property Development Company.
The agreement signed on Monday, by NCDMB Executive Secretary Mr Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Chairman of Edison Corporation, Mr. Vivian Reedy and Director of Radisson, Mr. Garnier Erwan, was in respect of the NCDMB’s 204 rooms hotel and conference center, developed adjacent the Nigerian Content Tower, Swali, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Fagbemi, who is also the Minister of Justice was represented by Mr Wada Ahmed Wada. He described the signing ceremony as historic and wished the parties success in their business relationship.
At the management agreement signing which was held in Durban, South Africa, Ogbe confirmed that discussions, reviews, and compliance requirements had lasted over two years, and the agency secured the approval of all key stakeholders, including the Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The NCDMB boss revealed that “their support ensured that the agreement meets Nigeria’s legal and regulatory standards.
“The aspiration is to deliver a world‑class hotel in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State with a fully equipped conference centre—designed to serve the oil and gas industry stakeholders and the Nigerian public.”
Pledging NCDMB’s commitment to completing the hotel on schedule and achieving the opening in December, Ogbe assured that, “we appreciate our responsibilities—construction quality, pre‑opening readiness, funding, safety and security compliance, and maintaining Radisson’s global standard. We will do our best to meet our obligations.”
He charged Radisson Hospitality to bring its expertise, systems, and brand strength to deliver a hotel that offers excellent service and guest experience, while expressing hope that the partnership with Edison Hotels will create a facility that reflects global quality and supports Bayelsa’s position as an oil and gas hub.
The executive secretary further revealed that “this project reflects NCDMB’s commitment to using strategic investments to boost productivity, attract investment, build local content, and expand opportunities for business and tourism in Nigeria.
“When completed, the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Yenagoa will stand not only as a hotel, but also as a symbol of what strong partnerships can achieve.”
On his part, the Edison Corporation Executive Chairman, Mr. Vivian Reedy described his organisation’s role as a bridge between the owner and the operator, highlighting the group’s intensive experience in the hotel industry, and determination to ensure alignment, transparency, accountability and performance.
“We understand that a successful hotel is not just about buildings. It is about disciplined management, strong oversight, brand integrity, and a shared commitment to excellence.
“Part of the group’s responsibility is to ensure that the hotel is delivered, operated, and managed in a manner that protects and announces the owner’s investment, while fully supporting Radisson in achieving operational excellence.”
Reedy assured that working closely with Radisson and NCDMB’s team, the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, Yenagoa will become the leading hospitality and conference destination in Bayelsa State, a catalyst for business and investment, and a symbol of quality professionalism and international standards.
He reported that the firm has had wonderful successes with Radisson in other locations, even achieving 95% occupancies.
“Our approach is to strengthen governance, support performance, and ensure the interests of the owners are always safeguarded.
“This project represents more than a hotel. It represents a partnership, a trust, and a long-term vision for sustainable value creation. We thank Radisson for its global expertise and operational excellence. Edison is fully committed to ensuring that the asset performs strongly, operates efficiently, and delivers lasting value to its owner.”
